Sports Express reports that Vadim Berestov, the physical training coach for the MHL club Siberian Snipers, has been suspended amid accusations of sexual harassment involving players on the team. The decision to pause his duties arrived as the club faced a critical run of games and as league officials opened a formal review into the serious allegations. The organization stressed that the step was part of a careful process to protect players and guarantee fair treatment for everyone while investigators gather facts. The move has put the club and its staff on high alert, with players awaiting clarity while training and travel plans continue to be organized. Berestov has publicly stated that the situation has put his family in a difficult position and he asked for privacy during the inquiry, insisting that it should be a fair process that prioritizes the wellbeing of those involved.
In a restrained public remark, Berestov said there are two sides to everything, and he conveyed genuine concern for his family’s safety amid the swirling questions surrounding the case. He indicated that he hoped for due process and a full airing of the facts before any final judgments are made. The coach also stressed his respect for the club and for the players, acknowledging how the current climate could affect trust and team cohesion. The stance he chose underscores how delicate a moment this is for everyone connected to the Siberian Snipers, as the league reviews the circumstances while the team searches for stability during a tense period.
Meanwhile the Siberian Snipers were set to play an away game against Ekaterinburg Auto on November 29. Berestov had already been removed from his post and had flown to Novosibirsk, leaving the squad to rely on interim arrangements behind the bench. The club faced logistical and tactical questions, with assistants and higher-level staff stepping in to ensure the game preparation remained on track. The travel and the absence of the head coach created a learning opportunity for younger staff members to demonstrate leadership under pressure, while players adjusted to potential changes in routines and on-ice communication during the days leading up to the matchup.
Historically, the Siberian Snipers sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference Gold Group with 15 points, a position that mirrors a season of ups and downs for the team. The Omsk Hawks hold first place with 43 points, amplifying the gap and underscoring the challenge of climbing the standings in a competitive league. Beyond the numbers, the unfolding investigation adds a layer of uncertainty that affects preparation, motivation, and the psychological climate within the room. Fans and analysts in North America and other regions watching Russian junior hockey are paying close attention to how the organization responds, how staff duties are reassigned, and how players maintain focus amid headlines that can ripple through the locker room and the fan base alike.
Earlier, a journalist noted that this incident touches on a broader sex-scare conversation within Russian hockey, a topic that has drawn national and international scrutiny. The report situates the Siberian Snipers’ case within a wider context of governance and player safety reforms being discussed across leagues, federations, and media outlets. While the specifics remain under investigation, observers in Canada and the United States are looking for transparent updates, clear lines of accountability, and concrete steps to protect athletes and preserve the integrity of the sport. The attention underscores how domestic issues within Russian hockey can resonate with fans far beyond regional borders, illustrating how sports accountability travels quickly in the digital age.