A gleaming new hockey pitch, dubbed 'School Drive', has risen in the town of Perechyn in western Ukraine, offering a state‑of‑the‑art venue that is quickly becoming a catalyst for the sport’s growth in the region.
A Vision for Hockey's Future
EuroHockey President Marcos Hofmann traveled to Perechyn to inaugurate the facility, meeting with Ukrainian sports officials and emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation and investment in the country’s hockey ecosystem.
The opening brought together a distinguished roundtable of stakeholders, including Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Serhii Tymofeiev, Ukrainian Hockey Federation President Mykhailo Ananchenko, Perechyn Mayor Ivan Pohoriliak, Hungarian Hockey Federation President András Zsoldos and Ambassador Fedir Shandor.
Their discussion centered on expanding youth programs, strengthening infrastructure, preparing the national team and positioning Perechyn as a host for international matches.
Mayor Pohoriliak highlighted the town’s commitment to nurturing local talent, while philanthropist Maksym Yefimov’s financial backing proved decisive in turning the project into reality.
With the new pitch now accommodating roughly 200 young athletes, it stands as the second modern hockey venue in Ukraine, underscoring the nation’s ambition to become a hub for the sport in Central Europe.
Hofmann’s remarks reinforced the belief that continued partnership and investment will propel hockey’s development across Ukraine and beyond.