Neftekhimik and HC Chelny signed Sports Cooperation agreement
16.06.2026
Naberezhnye Chelny. The hockey clubs Neftekhimik (Nizhnekamsk) and Chelny (Naberezhnye Chelny) have formalized their partnership with a sports cooperation agreement. The goal of the agreement is to systematically develop the hockey reserve, build a unified player development system, and strengthen the hockey ecosystem in Tatarstan.
The signing ceremony was attended by the club executives: President Farid Salakhov and Director Eldar Gimadiyev from HC Chelny; General Director Igor Larionov and Sports Director Anton Marchinsky from HC Neftekhimik.The agreement covers a number of key areas of joint work:
– sending young players and hockey players on two–way contracts from the Neftekhimik system to HC Chelny to gain regular game practice;
– sharing coaching methods and analytical materials on hockey players preparation;
– holding joint training events and exhibition games;
– Coordinating the development of youth and children's hockey and building a unified player training system.
Neftekhimik General Director Igor Larionov emphasized that the sports cooperation agreement has strong roots. The Nizhnekamsk team's games are regularly attended by numerous hockey fans from the neighboring city – for many of them, Neftekhimik has already become a true home team.
An important tradition uniting the two cities is the annual exhibition games between Neftekhimik and HC Chelny, held in the capital of the auto city at the end of each season. These games attract full stands and serve as a vivid demonstration of the strong bond between fans and clubs.
The head of Neftekhimik noted the importance of partnership for the development of young talent. It is crucial that young players not only train, but regularly play and learn to win in real games. The partnership with HC Chelny provides this opportunity. We are building a clear development trajectory: hockey school – youth team – partner club – main roster. This is a modern and systematic approach.
At the same time, the partnership agreement between Neftekhimik and HC Chelny represents a strategically important step that goes beyond a simple player exchange between the main rosters. This union's greatest potential lies in the development of youth hockey. The integration of infrastructure resources, the exchange of professional coaching expertise, and the joint organization of educational, training, and competitive processes for young athletes have the potential to create a new, more powerful, and effective hockey development ecosystem in the Republic of Tatarstan. In order, to support this idea, Igor Larionov noted that nine players from Naberezhnye Chelny currently play hockey at the Neftekhimik Neftekhimik Hockey School. Three of our alumni currently play for HC Chelny: Danil Sherstobitov, Maxim Ustimkin and Bulat Motygullin.
For Neftekhimik, Naberezhnye Chelny area is one of the priority areas in its efforts to expand its audience. We strive to strengthen the emotional connection with fans and make hockey closer and more accessible to residents of the entire region.
The signed sports cooperation agreement with HC Chelny will contribute to the development of young players as well as help to the growth of the Naberezhnye Chelny fan base, the development of young hockey talent in the city of automobiles (a prime example is Maxim Pestushko, a native of Naberezhnye Chelny who received his first hockey education in his hometown and discovered his talent in Nizhnekamsk, later becoming a great player in the KHL), and the strengthening of the overall hockey culture of Tatarstan.
HC Chelny President Farid Salakhov:
– Neftekhimik is a famous club with a rich history, loyal fans, and consistently high results. We look forward to a productive exchange of experience and knowledge, which will give us new achivements. I am confident that this partnership will help us reach a higher level of play – both this season and beyond.
The agreement runs through the 2026/2027 season, with the possibility of extension based on the results of our collaboration.
