Monday, June 22, 2009

New Russian U-20 Coach

Press Release

MOSCOW – The Russian Ice Hockey Federation named Vladimir Plyushchev its new U20 national team coach. He replaces Sergei Nemchinov, who is the new coach of CSKA Moscow.

The 53-year-old was behind the bench of the Russian juniors in 2002 when he led the team to gold in U20 Championship.

Plyushchev played in the Soviet league in the ‘70s but ended his playing career at 24. He worked for the KGB for many years until returning to hockey in 1995 to coach several junior national teams.

He was successful with the U18 national team winning the 2001 World U18 Championship and silver last spring at the 2009 World U18 Championship.

Plyushchev also coached the men’s national team for one year when it finished in seventh place at the 2003 IIHF World Championship. From 2001 to 2006, he was coaching Ak Bars Kazan, Severstal Cherepovets and was vice-president of Spartak Moscow.

“At the upcoming 2010 World U20 Championship in Canada, our goal will be to return the title of the best junior team on the planet to Russia,” Plyushchev said.

The 2010 IIHF World U20 Championship will be played in Saskatoon and Regina, Canada, December 26 to January 5. The Canadians have won the event in five straight years. Click here for ticket packages.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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