GM Anton Kuryanov joins Avangard coaching staff

In the 2024/25 season, general manager Anton Kuryanov will join Avangard coaching staff and will primarily work with the forwards and on the powerplay.

German Chistyakov, Avangard HC General Director:

- Back in the playoffs, the general manager was providing active support and assistance to the coaching staff both when preparing for games and during games. As we all have seen, Anton Alekseevich’s work is effective and efficient, so we have agreed to his request for continuing cooperation with Sergei Zvyagin’s coaching staff in the upcoming season. Yes, such a format looks unusual. But we are convinced that by no means all of the decisions should be in line with traditional schemes that seem correct. Sport is a territory of creative moves, where there are no dogmas. As a matter of fact, looking for new development options can help find the shortest path to success. The general manager will definitely continue to perform his direct duties. Well-thought-out player selection in the offseason allowed us to build a solid core team for the next two to three years, which means that there is an opportunity to use all the strengths of Kuryanov as one of the most experienced specialists in Russian hockey. And it is not in reason to pass by the opportunity untouched.

Sergei Zvyagin, Head Coach:

- I see nothing but benefits about Anton Alekseevich rejoining our coaching staff. We stayed in touch both during the season and during the playoffs, his vision, skills and suggestions were of great help to the team. Kuryanov is known and respected by players, his playing and coaching experience is in great demand. When players understand that things the coach proposes do work, they trust him, and that’s how chemistry is built in the locker room and on the bench. I have no doubt that Kuryanov will become a great addition to Avangard’s coaching staff.

Avangard press service