New Hockey School in Novosibirsk Honors Andrey Tarasenko
Novosibirsk, Russia — The hockey community mourned as it commemorates one of its own. The local hockey school has officially been named after Andrey Tarasenko, the late father of NHL player Vladimir Tarasenko. This heartwarming tribute follows the devastating news of Andrey Tarasenko's passing on July 11, 2024, at the age of 56.
During the KHL match between HC Sibir and Lada Togliatti, reflections of Andrey Tarasenko’s legacy were evident as both teams donned special patches on their uniforms. Fans at the game witnessed the emotional video tribute featuring Vladimir Tarasenko, who expressed gratitude to the supporters for honoring his father’s memory.
“Dear fans of Hockey Club Sibir, thank you so much for your support of our family and for attending my father’s memorial match. He was a wonderful player and coach,” said Vladimir Tarasenko. His message highlighted the significant contribution his father made to the development of the Sibir hockey club, words deeply felt by those present.
Andrey Tarasenko, originally from Novosibirsk, had quite the hockey career himself. He started off as a player for the local SKA team before leaving to make significant marks with Yaroslavl’s Torpedo and Tolyatti’s Lada. He had considerable success, being recognized both as the league's top scorer and most valuable player during the 1997-1998 season.
Returning to Novosibirsk for the 2001-2002 season, he was instrumental in helping Sibir gain promotion to the Superleague, achieving 75 points over 67 games. Thereafter, he became part of the coaching circuits, significantly impacting future generations of hockey players.
The announcement of the hockey school bearing his name was made by the governor of the Novosibirsk region, Andrei Travnikov, during the pre-match ceremony. “It is very symbolic to honor him during this match between two teams close to his heart: Sibir and Lada. At the Sibir Arena today, we have no strangers, only family,” said Travnikov. His acknowledgment underlined the collective mourning and celebration of Andrey Tarasenko's life.
The hockey community has rallied, not just to honor his memory but to preserve his influence within the sport. The Tarasenko legacy will undoubtedly live on, exemplified through future endeavors and nurturing new talent at the hockey school. Fans continue to express their heartfelt condolences and support for the Tarasenko family, ensuring Andrey’s spirit remains intertwined with hockey’s future.
This tribute aligns with broader cultural practices of honoring athletic legacies within Russia, where sports figures often hold significant roles within their communities. Tarasenko's life and work have left indelible imprints across generations, influencing not just on-ice performance but also shaping the values of sportsmanship and mentorship.
Indeed, the new Tarasenko hockey school stands as both homage to Andrey Tarasenko’s successful career and as a beacon for young aspiring players to emulate. Many will look back at this moment as not just the loss of a coach and father but as the initiation of significant change and opportunity within the Novosibirsk hockey scene.