Hockey in Georgia runs up

Alexander Vashakidze is not only the goalie of Georgian League current champion Ice Knights Tbilisi, but also the passionate Secretary of local Ice Hockey Federation. In this interview with Eurohockey.com, he talks about the current state of hockey in the country and the possibility to see Georgia at next IHWC Div. III in Luxembourg

Eurohockey.com:  Many people in hockey world neither know that there is icehockey in Georgia, can you tell us how is the state of health of Georgian hockey and something about its history? 

Alexander Vashakidze: The ice hockey family in Georgia is growing day-by-day but not as fast as we would like to. The first attempt of starting to play an ice hockey in Georgia was made in 1962 but sooner it has stopped as there was no proper ice rink built in Georgia. The second attempt was made in 80’s and the result was the same – no infrastructure meant no further development. I’m not sure if this is true but the older generation often says when I ask them why there was no proper size ice rink in Georgia that the Soviet government couldn’t let the Georgian play ice hockey to minimize the chance of beating Russian teams by Georgians.  Although few Georgians made a history – Konstantine Bakhutashvili (from the generation of 80’s was invited to play in Moscow CSKA and even played for the Youth National Team of USSR); Bessa Tsintsadze – skating and stick handling coach at Pittsburg Penguins; A third and the last attempt started in 2004 by the player of 80’s – Denis Davidov, when he found the Georgian Ice Hockey Federation – first Federation of Ice Hockey after Georgia gained the independence. Denis has managed to attract more and more young players and soon, in 2007 we have launched first Championship but due to the non-standard size of the ice rink in Tbilisi we played 3 on 3. In 2009 Georgia became the member of IIHF and at the first congress for Georgia Denis (the president) and Lasha (Secretary General) has died in the car accident on the way to congress.

Eurohockey.com: In March 1962, while Georgia was still a part of the USSR, and in their first tournament ever, they beat Armenia 11-2 at the Winter Spartakiad in Sverdlovsk, Russia. Then seems hockey disappeared in the country map until 2007, it's true?

Alexander Vashakidze: Not exactly, there was another attempt in early 80’s but still not for the long time – only few games.  But a Georgian goalkeeper – Konstantine Bakhutashvili was invited by Moskow CSKA. The first movie on Ice hockey in Georgia was shot in Georgia. The active talks have started to build a standard size ice rink in Tbilisi but by the mid of 80’s the movement towards independence of Georgia has started with massive demonstrations and no one had time to follow the construction of ice rinks. After Georgia has gained the independence, the Georgian Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 2004. First ever national championship was carried out in 2007 on smaller size ice rink – 3x3 players.

Eurohockey.com: In 2007 we noticed an ice hockey league started but after the tragic loss of Denis Davidov and Lasha Tsagareishvili (Presdient and Vice President of Georgia Federation) there was a hiatus in domestic activities until 2011-12 season. Why this?

Alexander Vashakidze: this fact has several explanations – 1. Denis and Lasha were the driving force for the Georgian Ice Hockey. By that time the federation had no institutional shape and a lot depended on personalities. Denis and Lasha has kept all the info and needed resources with them – e.g. players, equipment, contacts, etc. Denis and Lasha were almost the only trainers in the country that could work with the children. So, after they have passed away we needed some time to recover and bring things back on track. 2. In 2008 the war against Russia + Financial crisis and the only operational rink in Tbilisi was closed down that made the development impossible for clubs in Tbilisi.

Eurohockey.com: How popular is today icehockey in Georgia?

Alexander Vashakidze: I would not say that it is No 1 sport but it is not last – the newspapers and generally media coverage is good. Although many Georgian still think that Ice Hockey is little bit exotic for Georgians but we are trying to convince them that this is really Georgian sports as it needs all the skills that Georgian have and love – technique, fast, team spirit, and finally – fight.