Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 25 August (BelTA) – HC Dinamo Minsk players will do their best to live up to fans’ expectations in the new season, Dinamo Minsk head coach Gordie Dwyer said as the players and the coaching staff met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 25 August, BelTA has learned.

Gordie Dwyer noted that everyone in the club is ready for the fight and wants to produce a good result. Players and coaches appreciate the president’s attention very much. “We need to play well and stay a team. Dinamo will try to fulfill fans' expectations in the new season,” the coach remarked.

Alexander Lukashenko asked the head coach if he can build a high-class team from young players. “Everything depends on them, on their willingness to work, on the goals they set, on their ability to focus on the game and show good results. The coaching staff are ready to share their experience with the players,” Gordie Dwyer added.

The head of state called to make every effort in every match of the season. “If you lack skill sometimes, just outrun the rivals, outgun them with your emotions,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

HC Dinamo Minsk kicked off the 10th season of the Kontinental Hockey League with a 1-6 home loss to Jokerit Helsinki. The Bisons will face Vityaz Moscow Region on 25 August. They will next play HC CSKA Moscow at home on 27 August.

The previous season became one of the most successful for the Belarusian club: the team claimed fifth place in the Western Conference breaking their own record with 105 points. A defeat against HC Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the first round of playoffs, however, marred the effect from the last season's performance. Dinamo’s roster changed considerably during the preseason, augmented by young Belarusian players and foreign players. A new coaching staff has already got down to work. It comprises young Belarusian specialists led by 39-year old Canadian coach Gordie Dwyer.