As a New Year’s gift, we have prepared for you an exclusive interview with a member of referee team.
— How do you like the idea of organizing such a tournament in Belarus?
— When they called me, I immediately gave my agreement to participate in this tournament as a referee. I love hockey in any of its manifestations, and participating in an international tournament, especially during a pandemic, is a very unusual experience. The organizers and the International Short Hockey Federation are great for making such tournament.
— Is it difficult to switch to short hockey rules?
— Relatively. There are a lot of nuances that, in fact, greatly affect the game, for example, replenishing the puck in the goalkeeper’s helmet. But my colleagues and I constantly re-read the rules, discuss some points for whic we have questions, or controversial points with representatives of ISHF.
— How long do you think it will take for the judging panel to fully get used to the rules?
— A trick question (laughing). I think that another 2-3 game days and the whole team of referees will be completely ready.