USUST Student Shines at the Hockey Universiade

The Ukrainian student hockey team continues to impress at the 2025 World Winter Universiade in Turin, Italy. On January 19, 2025, our team secured a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals, marking only the third time in history they have advanced to the tournament semifinals.

A pivotal role in this match was played by goaltender Danylo Makarenko, a second-year master’s student at the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports, SEI PSACEA, USUST. Thanks to his exceptional performance, the team was able to move on to the semifinals, with Danylo stopping 35 out of 38 shots on goal. His reflexes and composure were decisive in this intense showdown. One particularly stunning moment came when Danylo made an incredible save by instinctively throwing his stick to prevent what seemed like an inevitable goal.

This isn’t the first time Makarenko has shown remarkable resilience. His performance in the Ukrainian championship with the team “Kryzhynka,” where he played half a match with a back injury, protecting the goal without substitution, is still remembered.

This time, the Ukrainian team, which suffered three losses in the group stage, shocked everyone by defeating the Czechs — a strong opponent who had previously bested even Canada. Other players also shone in key moments: Denys Borodai scored twice, and Mykyta Krugliakov’s overtime goal secured the victory for Ukraine.

Next up, the team faces a formidable semifinal opponent — Slovakia. Let’s cheer for Danylo and the entire Ukrainian team, wishing them continued success!

The original article with a detailed match overview and video highlights can be viewed here.