Donbass bosses continue to rapidly gain liking of the Ukrainian hockey fans. Donetsk strirring up with beating Sokil in the finals in April has been appreciated by the world community. At first the miners managed to lure in the preseason tournament in Donetsk (1-3 September) representatives of KHL (SKA, Dinamo Riga and Dinamo-Minsk), to integrate into the prestigious VHL (Russian super league), and to achieve a further sign of victory last weekend - concerning the bid for the third (semifinal) round of the IIHF Continental Cup. Thus, for the first time since 1997, when the successor of the Cup of Europe became the Continental Cup, the Ukrainian city earned the right to organize European Cup. On the occasion of such an extraordinary event, Komanda talked to Donbass General Director Sergei Shakurov.
- Mr. Sergei, since the IIHF Continental Cup has been held, none of the Ukrainian team has not achieved the right to host a tournament. How did you manage to convince IIHF members to entrust Donetsk semifinal round?
- As you know, this spring Donetsk successfully hosted the Junior World Championships (Division II), and the organization of that has left an indelible impression on the representatives of the International Federation. At the annual Congress of the IIHF to our city once again entrusted the World Cup, but among the youth teams (under 20 years). Finally, the news of Donbass joining the VHL has also played a role. As a result, draw in Budapest, the presentation of our club met with an ovation!
- What was it like?
- By means of slides we introduced the participants the infrastructure of the city and the club, children's school, Druzhba Palace and showed the highlights of the battle between Donbass and Sokil.
- Was it possible for Donbass to host the Final Four?
- We expected a maximum of placing an order for the Super Final, but French city of Rouen's bid won. They already held the Final Four few years ago. Rating of the French championship is higher than the Ukrainian once nowadays. That was taken into account rather than other things.
- How did you took the results of the draw: grieved or rejoiced the visit of Rubin and Krakow?
- Of course, overjoyed, because they are both strong teams. Of course, I want to go to the next round, but it's not in our rules to rely on the weaknesses of the opponent. It is difficult to tell who will be a favorite of the Donetsk group, but our goal at home isn't to show off on stage, but win each match to qualify to the Final Four in Rouen.
- Another contender of Donbass will be selected at the second round. Who do you think will make us a company in the Donetsk group?
- Either Beybarys from Kazakhstan or Latvia Metalurgs. It all depends on changes in rosters of these teams over the summer period.
- Will there be games "Donbass" on TV?
- I think so.
- Which requirements are needed to ensure that the receiving party to host a tournament on the highest level?
- Our goal is to create comfortable locker rooms for all the participants, accommodation (hotel, not lower than 4 stars), and nutrition. Part of the funds for the organization of the tournament IIHF deducts from its treasury.
- They say Donbass intends to sign two candidates for the national team of Ukraine Kostyantin Kasyanchuk Maxym Kvitchenko.
- Never heard about it.
So, the way to the Final Four for Donbass ranges through the third round, where VHL Rubin Tyumen, the champion of Poland - Krakow and as the winner of group C (second round: Romanian Miercurea Ciuc, Latvian Metalurgs, Slovenian Olympia and Kazakhstan Beybarys) will fight for the only pass. Competition of the Donetsk Quartet E will take place from 25 th to November 27 at Druzhba Palace.
