A Russian coach will work with players in Iran

In accordance with the memorandum of cooperation between the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) and the Iran Ice Hockey Association (IIHA), Russian coach Maxim Kashin has travelled to Iran in order to work with local coaches and players across the next six months.

The program is being conducted with the support of the IIHA and the Panda Hockey team.

Kashin's main area of work will be to provide coaching for the Iranian national teams and the Panda Hockey women's side. Furthermore, Kashin will also coach junior Iranian players.



The specialist’s primary task is to help establish a comprehensive training system for athletes of all ages, ranging from young players to national team members. Particular emphasis will be placed on fundamental technical skills such as skating, stickhandling and shooting techniques.

Another key aspect of the role involves collaboration with local coaches. Kashin will share his methodological expertise with his Iranian counterparts, consequently helping develop approaches which can remain in use long after his time in the country concludes.

Kashin was selected primarily due to his extensive experience in youth hockey. He spent a significant portion of his coaching career in Cherepovets, where the local hockey academy boasts a long-standing tradition of prioritising the development of homegrown talent. Systematic work with the existing set of players available, the development of young players and the enhancement of training quality are of particular importance for Iranian ice hockey.



The RIHF extends its gratitude to the staff of the Russian Embassy and the Trade Representation of Russia in Iran for facilitating Kashin's work, assisting with liaison with the Iranian side and helping with on-site integration.

Special thanks go to Igor Demkin, Counselor at the Russian Embassy in Iran, and Vladislav Gorodnichev, Deputy Head of the Economic Department at the Trade Representation of Russia in Iran.

Kashin's work in Iran represents another practical step toward fostering cooperation between the two countries' hockey organisations and facilitating the exchange of coaching expertise.