The head coach of SKA St. Petersburg, Roman Rotenberg, stated that the club will stand by 18‑year‑old hockey talent Matvey Michkov following the disappearance of his father in Sochi. The team pledged full support and affirmed its readiness to help the family in every possible way during this difficult time.
Rotenberg told Match TV that SKA is aware of the situation and united with Matvey and his relatives. He urged the public to keep the matter in the spotlight and expressed hope for a swift and positive resolution. He added that Matvey could draw strength from the club, emphasizing that SKA is a family that stands together in moments of challenge.
Matvey Michkov’s father vanished on April 2, leaving the family’s rented apartment in the city. At approximately 9 p.m. Moscow time, he walked out and promised to return soon, leaving his loved ones anxious for any news. The disappearance has prompted concern from friends, teammates, and fans who are following every development closely.
Matvey Michkov has been on loan to SKA from Sochi, having appeared in 27 games for the Southern club. During his stint, he recorded nine goals and 11 assists, showcasing his offensive potential and playmaking abilities. Sochi finished last in the Western Conference and did not advance to the KHL playoffs, a season that underscored the team’s ongoing search for consistency and improvement.
Vyacheslav Bykov, the former head coach of the Russian national ice hockey team, weighed in on whether Matvey Michkov could be a premier choice in the upcoming NHL draft. While the final decision rests with NHL clubs and the draft process, Bykov’s assessment reflects the high expectations placed on Michkov as a young talent entering the professional ranks and the global interest surrounding his future career prospects.