Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg faced off against CSKA Moscow on March 10, 2025, at the newly opened UGMK Arena, marking the first KHL match held at this modern venue. Unfortunately for the hosts, the game concluded with a 3:4 defeat against their rivals, leaving the team and its supporters with mixed emotions.
The UGMK Arena is state-of-the-art, capable of accommodating 15,000 fans, which contributed to its electrifying atmosphere. This match drew 10,489 spectators, setting a new attendance record for Avtomobilist. Support was overwhelming, emphasizing the anticipation surrounding the event, especially since it was the debut of the arena.
Andrey Kozitsyn, the president of Avtomobilist, made headlines with his candid remarks prior to the match, stating, "I built and opened many industrial enterprises. I will tell you, it is easier to launch a factory than such a modern hockey arena!" This statement highlights not only the challenges of creating the arena but also the significance of the event to fans and players alike.
The match itself was closely contested. Despite the loss, the players showed resilience, especially late in the game. Nikita Shashkov, one of the forwards for Avtomobilist, expressed disappointment after the match, acknowledging the emotional weight of their defeat on such a significant day: "We’re a bit upset to lose on such a significant day. The new arena is very cool. We had great support from the fans," Shashkov stated, reflecting both on the support and the high expectations for their performance.
Shashkov continued, analyzing the game’s pivotal moments, "We allowed CSKA to capitalize on their scoring chances, and even though we fought back, it wasn’t enough." The tension of the match was palpable, as both teams vied for dominance on the ice. Despite Avtomobilist's strong buildup and attempts to overturn CSKA's early lead, they made some mistakes by allowing CSKA to take control and score key goals.
Fans of Avtomobilist showered the players with cheers throughout the encounter. The excitement from the crowd was evident, with Shashkov noting, "On the new arena, there’s a large number of fans around, all cheering and waving. The support was amazing — it felt great to be part of something larger." This interaction underscored the deep connection between the team and its supporters, especially during such significant events.
Regarding the ice conditions, Shashkov described them as "a little subpar," which is typical for new arenas as they get settled. He mentioned, "The ice was somewhat supportive, which is normal for a new venue. I believe things will improve as we continue to play here." This insight points to the usual adjustments teams and venues experience during initial outings.
The defeat against CSKA Moscow continues to weigh on the players’ minds, but it also serves as motivation. The loss may have been disappointing, but the players are eager to build on the experience as they familiarize themselves with the new arena and rally their spirits for upcoming matches.
The stakes are high moving forward, with Avtomobilist expected to go head-to-head with formidable opponents—in their next match, they will be vying for victory against solid competition. The pressure to perform on such stages could provide them with the opportunity to grow and thrive even more.
Overall, the inaugural match at UGMK Arena was about much more than just the score. It was about fostering connections, community pride, and the eagerness for the future. While they didn't secure the victory this time, Avtomobilist's players and fans look forward to many more thrilling games under their new roof.
This new era at UGMK Arena certainly carries with it the hope for future successes and memorable moments as they continue their campaign within the KHL.