Igor Larionov, a two-time Olympic champion who recently steered the Russian Olympic team, is preparing to depart the Russian Hockey Federation (RHF). The disclosure came from RBC, which cited insiders close to the situation. The report indicates that Larionov plans to resign his post with the RHF and shift his coaching focus to Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo, with no intention of staying on as Russia’s Olympic head coach.
Since making his RHF debut in 2019, the veteran coach has played a growing role in Russian hockey leadership. A year after joining, he was at the helm of the Russian youth team, guiding the squad to the World Championship stage where it finished fourth, a result that underscored his ability to develop young talent and implement a clear strategic vision.
In October of the previous year, Larionov transitioned to the position of head coach of the Russian Olympic team, a role that placed him at the center of the national program as it prepared for major international competition. The changes come amid broader repercussions in international sport over the political climate that has affected competition exposure for Russian teams.
The broader context includes the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urging international federations to restrict participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in various events. Consequentially, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) moved to ban Russian players from international tournaments even under neutral status, with Russia losing the right to host the 2023 Junior World Championships. These developments have also affected the structure of Russia’s national calendar, including absence from the Euro Tour for the next two seasons, with Switzerland occupying the invitation space.
Observers note that such shifts have ripple effects across coaching assignments, player development pipelines, and the long-term sustainability of the national program. The evolving situation places teams like Torpedo and the national program in a position to recalibrate their strategies and leadership choices in light of ongoing geopolitical and sporting dynamics. As Larionov prepares to transition, questions arise about succession, program continuity, and the pathway for Russian hockey on the international stage in the near term.
Formerly Vyacheslav Fetisov has commented on the broader public interest in why hockey occupies a central place in Russian sport and culture, often superseding football in domestic popularity and national attention. The dialogue around leadership changes, national pride, and strategic sporting goals continues to shape how the federation, clubs, and national teams approach development, competition readiness, and international engagement. (RBC) Source: RBC