The former head coach of the Russian national team, Vladimir Plushev, discussed the essential roles needed to sustain the level of Russian hockey and keep the sport competitive on the world stage. His remarks were shared through Russian Hockey.
He noted that since the PyeongChang Games, the national program has not claimed a major title. He observed that the domestic league, once a European champion, has slipped in status and now sits among several leagues that compete at a similar level. The game on home ice has become more straightforward and predictable, without the same depth of tactical innovation that once defined it.
In Plushev’s assessment, the ambitions of Russian hockey in recent years have been largely evident in the performances of goalkeepers, defenders, and, most notably, forwards. He highlighted that while there are standout players in these positions, systemic constraints have created a broad set of challenges across the roster. The emphasis, he suggested, should be on addressing these core areas to rebuild a more robust and versatile team framework.
Plushev insisted that the discussion should focus on the substance of hockey development rather than chasing external debates. He stressed the need to concentrate on the building blocks that drive on ice success and to resist distractions that do not directly contribute to performance improvement.
It is well documented that the International Ice Hockey Federation has taken a restrictive stance toward Russian participation in international events. With Russian players barred from events under national flag or neutral status, the federation’s decision to exclude Russia from major international championships, including the junior world championship hosting rights, has shaped the development framework for the sport. In early July 2022, the IIHF disciplinary committee rejected the Russian Ice Hockey Federation’s appeal to reintegrate Russian teams into international competition.
Formerly Vladimir Plushev commented on potential pathways within the suspension, outlining how national hockey can still progress domestically even while facing international constraints. He pointed to improved youth development, stronger domestic leagues, and enhanced coaching education as critical levers for rebuilding competitiveness and sustaining long-term growth. The focus, according to Plushev, should be practical, concrete actions that strengthen the sport from the ground up and help maintain a healthy pipeline of talent for the national program. The idea is to create a resilient system that endures political and international pressures while keeping the sport vibrant for fans and players alike—an approach that aligns with the broader goals of national sports development and sport diplomacy.