Farewell to Martemanov, longtime KHL coach in Yekaterinburg
The farewell ceremony for Martemanov is planned for March 27 at the KRK Arena in Yekaterinburg. The event is designed to honor the career of a coach who spent many seasons guiding teams in the Kontinental Hockey League and shaping the paths of players who carried the league’s competitive spirit to new audiences. Fans from Canada, the United States, and other hockey markets will be watching closely as colleagues, former players, and supporters come together to reflect on the hard work and steady leadership that defined his time behind the bench.
The ceremony will begin in the early hours of the day, with a program that remembers the coach’s contributions to club hockey across several cities. Attendees are expected to share memories of late-game decisions, training routines, and the calm guidance he offered during tense moments on the ice. The gathering will also highlight how his approach to discipline, preparation, and team unity influenced younger coaches and players who later pursued professional careers in North American leagues and beyond.
The coach was 61 years old at the time of his passing. Reports indicate the cause was heart failure, and he died in his Yekaterinburg apartment with family nearby. The loss has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, where colleagues describe a man who spoke softly yet carried a clear vision for how a team could maximize its strengths and overcome adversity on the rink. His passing has prompted many to recall his role in shaping the careers of players who later found opportunities in North American leagues and in other top-level competitions around the world.
Martemanov’s coaching journey took a defining turn in 2016 when he became head coach of Amur Khabarovsk. He led the squad for two seasons, earning respect for his methodical game plans and his ability to build competitive rosters even in challenging circumstances. After leaving Amur, he moved to a leadership role with a club in Yekaterinburg, where he remained until 2020, continuing to influence players and coaches with his practical, no-nonsense style. On April 9, 2021, he accepted the position of head coach with Sibir Novosibirsk, a club with a storied history and a demanding fan base. In April 2023, Sibir decided not to renew the agreement, signaling a shift for the coach and a period of transition as he considered his next steps in the league landscape.
In May 2023 Martemanov returned to Amur, rejoining a club he knew well and where he had a track record of building resilience within his teams. In February 2024 Amur announced a contract extension through 2025, signaling continued confidence in his leadership. However, on October 28, 2024, the agreement was terminated early, leaving the coach without a current post in the Kontinental Hockey League. The turn of events underscores the volatile nature of professional hockey careers, where changes in strategy and roster composition can redefine a coaching path even for someone with extensive experience and a history of success behind the bench.
In 1989, Martemanov achieved a notable milestone by becoming Universiade champion, a highlight that underscored his early commitment to the sport and his ability to perform at a high level in international competition. That success helped propel him into coaching, where he translated on-ice instincts into a thoughtful approach to teaching, motivating, and leading teams through demanding schedules and high-pressure situations. The Universiade victory remains a landmark in a career defined by steady progression from player to mentor, and it continues to be cited as a source of inspiration for players who aspire to grow within the game.
For North American fans following the Kontinental Hockey League, Martemanov’s story offers a perspective on the cross-border appeal of coaching talent. His work across Amur, Sibir, and other clubs demonstrated how leadership, preparation, and adaptability can influence outcomes in a league that blends hard-nosed defense with bold attacking plays. While the immediate future of his professional journey may be uncertain, the legacy he leaves is clear: the players he helped develop, the games where he sharpened a team’s edge, and the example he set through years of dedication to the sport. The hockey community will remember his calm presence on the bench, his willingness to mentor younger coaches, and the lasting impact of a career that bridged continents and connected fans across borders.
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