Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 25 August (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko explained why he agreed to the foreign specialist in the position of the head coach during a meeting with the players and the coaching staff of HC Dinamo Minsk, BelTA has learned.

I reluctantly agreed to the foreign coach. First I was told that Gordie Dwyer is a good specialist and a good person, the president said. I also want the coaching staff help us improve the Belarusian hockey, put it on the path that the hockey in Canada and the United States is developing, the president added.

According to him, if the new coach proves himself, he will be able to continue to work on this post, should he wish so, with a hefty salary. “If he really shows himself. If that does not work out, then we will go with Belarusian coaches and Belarusian athletes only,” he said.

The president stressed that the Belarusian ice hockey is lagging behind. “Today we are behind Russia and far away from the level of the ice hockey in Canada and the United States. They play a different hockey today. We are tailing away. We can play against them only thanks to our good physical from and strong spirit,” the Belarusian leader said.