Junior team called Syarhei Astapchuk “little star”

Two Belarusians died in the plane crash that killed the main roster of Yaroslavl “Lokomotiv” – Ruslan Salei and Syarhei Atapchuk. A lot is being written about Salei. However, much less is written about Syarhei Astapchuk, who was a young (21 years old) but talented hockey player. Euroradio interviewed Minsker Victar Mironichau yesterday. He used to play with Astapchuk in junior team “Himik” in Navapolatsk for 8 years.   

Euroradio: Victar, can you describe Syarhei Astapchuk at the time he was making his first steps in hockey?

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Vіctar Mіronіchau: "My memories are affected by this tragic event, but they are very bright. Born in 1990, he was the youngest member of our team that consisted of boys born in 1988. The difference was not that big but it indicated a lot. Syarhei was called “a little star” because he always gave a response to his offenders. Hockey is a severe game, a game for real men, and Syarhei fought until the end.  He deserved his reputation – he was in top 5 and top 10. It was clear that he could aim high.
His father, Mr. Ihar, became Syarhei first sports agent. He signed a contract for him in Russia - in Moscow. He was noticed. As far as I know, he played in North America for some time and returned to Russia later. He joined “Lokomotiv” and was added to the main roster this season. He was flying home to play with Minsk “Dynama”…
I can recall one more moment. Syarhei was a pert guy and he was sent to the penalty box. He was disappointed because there was little time left. However, as soon as he appeared on the ice, he scored a deciding goal. Such moments are unforgettable! 

I think that the other guys remember it too. We won the tournament back then. I have a photo of our team. And Syarhei is there, the youngest of us…”.

Syarhei Astapchuk’s last interview.

Photo by— yarsport.ru