Ihor Merezhko, the Ukrainian defender playing for Czech side Plzen, scored in the third round of the group stage of the ice hockey Champions League. The captain of the Ukraine national team buried the ball in the net of Switzerland's Fribourg with a powerful shot from his own half of the rink, capping off a confident 4-2 away victory for Plzen. This was reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing the Ukrainian Ice Hockey Federation on Instagram.
The episode that became the final note of the match
The decisive touch was added in the closing minutes. Having received the puck on his own half of the rink, Merezhko did not risk a pass and fired a powerful shot, finding the opponent's empty net. Shots from such long range are rare even for forwards, let alone for a defender, which makes this goal especially spectacular and a testament to the individual skill of the Ukrainian legionnaire.
Not his first goal in the current tournament
For Merezhko, this is not his first goal in the ongoing Champions League season. Earlier in the same group stage, he scored against Sweden's Rogle, confirming his status as one of the tournament's most prolific defenders. Thus, the Ukrainian has tallied at least two goals in three group-stage matches, an outstanding figure for a player on the defensive line.
His path in the Czech Extraliga
Ihor Merezhko has been playing for Plzen since 2024 and has appeared in more than 110 matches in the Czech Extraliga during that time, becoming one of the club's key defensive players. His consistency and reliability in the back line have allowed him to cement his place in the lineup of a team that regularly competes in European tournaments. Previously, Merezhko was named the best Ukrainian hockey player of 2023, underscoring his status as a leading player for the national team.
National team captain and looking ahead
Since 2022, it has been Merezhko who has led the Ukraine national team onto the ice as captain. The team faces new challenges ahead: the schedule of matches in the top division of the 2027 World Championship has already been announced. Confident performances in the Champions League and a steady form in the Czech Extraliga give Merezhko and his national team teammates an extra boost before the upcoming starts at the world tournament.
