Martin Gernat, the Slovak defenseman for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, explained that the two seasons he spent away from the Russian club taught him to keep his focus sharp whenever he steps onto the ice. He learned to stay locked in, ready to perform at his best in every game, no matter the circumstance surrounding the team or the schedule.
He said that each contest demands unwavering concentration and strong motivation, and players must arrive on the ice fully prepared to compete at the highest level. Gernat stressed that commitment and mental readiness are essential to competing consistently for Lokomotiv and contributing to the team’s success.
In the current season, Gernat has appeared in fifteen games and collected ten points, with two goals and eight assists. His steady production has helped reinforce Lokomotiv’s defensive core and added punch in transition and playmaking from the blue line.
Lokomotiv sits atop the Western Conference with twenty-eight points, a tally that reflects the team’s balance between solid defense and productive offense. The club has built momentum by combining disciplined structure with timely scoring, positioning itself for a deep run in the season schedule.
In their upcoming game, Lokomotiv is set to face Kullun Red Star, a matchup that tests the club’s readiness and depth as the season progresses. Fans and analysts will be watching how Lokomotiv handles pressure from a rival squad that has proven capable of troubling top teams in the standings.
In February 2024, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced the continued suspension of Russia and Belarus from national-team competition. The federation stated that its Council would monitor the situation and, in May 2025, would consider reintegration for the 2025/26 season, a topic that has continued to shape discussions within the sport’s governance and planning for the region. This stance reflects ongoing governance decisions affecting national teams and international play.
A former hockey player left the Russian team.