A significant personnel change has occurred in Ukrainian hockey. The hockey club "Kremenchug," recently crowned silver medalists of the national championship, has officially announced the termination of its cooperation with head coach Andriy Sryubko. The specialist has not been offered a new contract for the upcoming season.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the team's press service. The decision to part ways was made after two extremely productive seasons that will forever go down in the club's history.
Impeccable statistics and international experience
During his two years at the helm of "Kremenchug," Andriy Sryubko led the team to a series of outstanding achievements. Under his leadership, the squad won the title of Champions of Ukraine in the 2024/25 season, as well as the Ukrainian Cup in 2025. In the last season, the team became the vice-champion of the country.
In addition to domestic success, under Sryubko, "Kremenchug" stepped onto the international stage, participating in the prestigious Continental Cup. In the club's official statement, it is emphasized that together with the coach, the team went through a "bright path," and the management sincerely thanks the specialist for the work done.
Who will replace the legend?
At the moment, there is no official information on who will lead the team in the next season. However, the tasks facing the new staff will be serious — to bring the "gold" of the national championship back to Kremenchug. Previously, the team triumphed twice on the domestic arena — in 2020 and 2025.
The outgoing coach leaves behind a strong roster. Among the ranks of the current vice-champions of Ukraine are several key performers of the national team, including the attack leader — forward Vitaliy Lyalka.
From enforcer to coach
Andriy Sryubko is a 50-year-old Ukrainian specialist, a product of Kyiv hockey. His name is well known to fans not only as a coach but also as a player with a bright biography. During his playing career, he gained great fame as a uncompromising and tough enforcer defenseman.
Thanks to his fighting skills and ability to stand up for his teammates, Sryubko became a iconic figure in the lower North American leagues, where he played from 1994 to 2002. He also has extensive experience playing for the national team of Ukraine at World Championships and Olympic Games. To his credit are 106 matches for the national team, 16 goals, and 8 assists.