Generals Kyiv is experiencing financial problems
After losing coaches and players in last days, Generals forfeited game against Donbas due to the refusal of the players to take the ice. But management ensures the problems will be solved
Generals Kyiv players refused to play the game scheduled against
Donbas Donets'k for
Ukrainian Hockey League and team was punished with a 0-5 forfeit. The boycott was caused by financial problems. The club promised to pay the two months' salaries but did not keep the promise, so the players have decided not to play.
Last Friday head coach
Vadim Shakhraychuk and assistant
Konstantin Simchuk resigned citing the economic difficulties of the club. Coach was replaced by former Sokil and Companion coach
Alexander Seukand. Also captain
Alexei Melnikov and forward
Evgeny Limansky left the club in past days.
Forward
Evgeny Timchenko explained the decision at Sportarena:
"The management has promised to pay off the debts in the last weeks but they didn't, so we as team decided not to play. The new coach and the coaching staff has nothing to do with the present situation and our decision. Honestly, I don't know what will be the fate of the team. There are difficulties, but club promise to solve them. I would like to see the team that has been finalist last season just grown and become better every year. I think the situation will be more clear in the weekend"
After the forfeit, club released a statement:
"Because of a partial delay in payment of wages, the players of the club refused to play against HC Donbass, because of this attitude, the club will take appropriate measures in the near future. Generals will continue to play in the Ukrainian Hockey League".