What does it mean to play ice hockey when the world around you is at war? Imagine training in darkness, competing on melting ice, and spending nights in a parking lot as air raid sirens wail. This is the daily reality for Ukraine’s professional hockey players—yet, for fans, each game offers a rare escape, a precious hour to forget the conflict outside.

In this episode, host Rihards Plūme sits down with Anastasia Zimina, manager and co-founder of the Kyiv Capitals hockey club. Together with her father, a former player, Anastasia is building much more than a team—she’s creating a community that unites young and old, men and women, in the spirit of resilience and hope.

Discover how ice hockey has become one of the symbols of renewal and perseverance in the face of adversity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sports, survival, and the power of coming together—here and now.

 

This is a complete interview without translation from the Latvian Radio’s podcast "Drošinātājs" (“The Fuse”), dedicated to the people of Ukraine and their fight against Russian aggression. 

Links to the full version of the podcast can be found here: linktr.ee/drosinatajs