Ukraine’s best hockey player: “One goal was not enough for the national team of the World Cup elite”

Sokol and the forward of the Ukrainian national team Viktor Zakharov were recognized as the best hockey player in the country in 2025. The player noted that he could not reach the elite league of the World Championship last year.

The team lost to Japan in the deciding match.

– Usually the player of the year is the player who has proven himself both in the championship and in the national team. How would you evaluate your year 2025?

– I tried to prove myself in the best possible way at the club. Individual statistics were good but we couldn’t win the championship. The semi-final defeat was the biggest disappointment of the year, so the assessment is quite negative. However, the national team managed to have a good World Cup, but unfortunately we were one goal short of reaching the elite team.

– In February, the team will play European Nations Cup matches against Great Britain, Slovenia and Poland. What are you waiting for?

– I hope to get a phone call. This will be a serious test because all the opponents are very strong. What happened last year needs to be forgotten and prepared anew. Prove once again that you are worthy of playing in the national team.