Nizhny Novgorod HC "Start" will not play in the Super League in the new season.

      September 4, 2026 16:53 Sports The hockey club "Start" will compete in the Higher League in the 2026/2027 season. The decision to transition was made due to the current economic situation, the club's press service for bandy hockey reported. The new team roster will be formed mainly from young players - graduates of Nizhny Novgorod hockey schools. The club will also attract players with experience in the Super League. The work of the "Start-2" team has been temporarily suspended. Club funding will primarily be provided through regional subsidies. At the same time, "Start" retains its structure. All current obligations to players, including financial ones, have been fully met by the club. Changes have also occurred in the team's management. Yuri Erofeev has left the position of director. The ANO HC "Start" is now headed by former midfielder Denis Kotkov, who ended his professional career in 2026. It should be noted that the financial difficulties of "Start" became known back in July. At that time, the vice-president of the Russian Bandy Federation, Evgeny Ivanushkin, reported that the club was addressing the issue of participation in the Russian championship. Representatives of "Start" did not comment on this information. Many key players left the team during the summer, including goalkeeper Yuri Ivanchikov, who had played for "Start" since 2015. The club hopes to maintain the development of bandy in the region. The government of the Nizhny Novgorod region and the CUSR will continue to fulfill social obligations, including support for youth sports. The transition of "Start" to the Higher League is not the first such decision in Nizhny Novgorod sports this season. In May, the CUSR and the board of HC "Torpedo" decided to close the farm club "Torpedo-Gorky" for financial reasons. A year earlier, the women's hockey team ceased to exist. Also, in the upcoming season, the basketball club "Pari NN" will not compete in the VTB United League. However, the youth program will continue to operate. Earlier, the Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Dmitry Kabailo, stated that there are no grounds to talk about the "death" of sports in the region. He noted that such changes in results are characteristic of big sports. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.