HC Gomel vs Shahter Soligorsk on 17 January
On January 17, 2026, HC Gomel will face off against Shahter Soligorsk in what promises to be a gripping encounter in the Belarusian Extra-League. The stakes are high for both teams, with playoff positioning and momentum at the forefront of their minds. HC Gomel, with their aggressive style and home-ice advantage, will look to maintain their strong run, while Shahter Soligorsk, ever the formidable opponent, will aim to bounce back and prove they can compete with the league's best. With both teams bringing tactical intricacies and star power to the table, this is one matchup that promises intense action. The game will be held at the Gomel Ice Arena, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and unpredictable ice conditions, adding another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes encounter.
HC Gomel: Tactical Approach and Current Form
HC Gomel has been a force to reckon with in the Extra-League this season, consistently exhibiting a disciplined, fast-paced, and aggressive style of play. In their last five games, they have managed an impressive record of 3-2, with a particularly notable 4-1 victory against Dynamo Minsk, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Their primary tactical setup is built around a high-pressure forecheck that forces turnovers in the neutral zone, setting up quick counterattacks and high-quality shots on goal. The forechecking game is a key aspect of their offensive play, as they consistently disrupt opposing defenses with aggressive puck pursuit. Statistically, Gomel is leading the league in power play efficiency at 24.5%, which has proven to be a game-changer. Their penalty kill is also solid, with an 85% success rate, demonstrating their ability to shut down opposing threats even when down a man. One of the standout players for Gomel is their captain and top scorer, Dmitry Mikhailov. His speed and vision on the ice create many scoring opportunities, while his leadership is invaluable during key moments. However, the team will be without their starting goaltender, Aleksei Petrov, who is sidelined due to an injury. This puts added pressure on backup goalie Ivan Kolesnikov, who has been shaky in recent games. Kolesnikov's performance will be crucial for Gomel's success in this match.
Shahter Soligorsk: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Shahter Soligorsk, traditionally a tough and physical side, has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks. With a 2-3 record in their last five outings, including a disappointing 3-2 loss to HC Brest, the team is in need of a morale-boosting victory. Despite this, they possess a robust and physical game style that is based on controlling the puck and wearing down their opponents. Soligorsk's defense-first mentality is evident, but they are often caught in transition due to their slower pace in the neutral zone, which has led to several counterattacks against them. Their power play is not as potent as Gomel's, with a conversion rate of just 19.3%, but they make up for it with a high volume of shots on goal—averaging 32 per game. One of their key players, Alexei Serov, has been a consistent offensive threat, notching up multiple assists in the past few games. His ability to create scoring chances in tight spaces will be critical in breaking through Gomel’s aggressive defense. However, Soligorsk's defense has been plagued by injuries recently, with star defenseman Yury Kovalchuk still recovering from a lower-body injury. His absence weakens their blue line significantly, and it remains to be seen if they can shore up their defensive zone in his absence.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last three meetings between these two sides, HC Gomel has emerged victorious twice, including a thrilling 5-4 win earlier this season. Both teams have traded blows in high-scoring affairs, with each side showing moments of brilliance but also lapses in defensive focus. In their last encounter, a key takeaway was the dominance of Gomel's special teams—particularly their power play, which went 2-for-3. Soligorsk, on the other hand, has struggled to break down Gomel’s forecheck, often relying on long stretches of possession in the offensive zone but failing to generate enough high-danger chances. The psychological edge seems to be with Gomel, especially playing on home ice, where they have been nearly unbeatable this season.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle in this game will undoubtedly be the goaltending duel. While Ivan Kolesnikov has stepped in as the backup for HC Gomel, Soligorsk's Ilya Volkov has been solid in net but not impervious to high-pressure situations. Whoever can stay calm under pressure and make crucial saves will likely tilt the game in their team’s favor. Defensively, the battle along the boards will also be critical. Gomel's forechecking system thrives on aggressive puck battles, and Soligorsk will need to be precise in breaking out of their zone to avoid being overwhelmed. Special teams will play a pivotal role as well—if Soligorsk can capitalize on their power play opportunities, they could exploit Gomel’s slightly weaker penalty kill.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the current form and tactical setups, this game is likely to be a high-intensity affair, with both teams focused on pushing the pace and capitalizing on mistakes. Gomel’s aggressive forecheck will test Soligorsk’s ability to break out cleanly, while Soligorsk’s physical style will challenge Gomel’s defensive structure. The absence of Kovalchuk for Soligorsk and the uncertainty surrounding Kolesnikov’s performance in goal for Gomel leaves the match finely poised. A close, hard-fought contest looks inevitable, but with home-ice advantage and their superior special teams, HC Gomel should edge this one out. Expect a 4-3 win for Gomel in regulation, with both teams finding success on the power play but Gomel’s depth and home support proving decisive.
Final Thoughts
This game will answer one crucial question: Can Shahter Soligorsk overcome their defensive frailties and exploit Gomel’s goalie situation, or will HC Gomel continue their dominance at home and consolidate their place near the top of the table? As always, the team that controls the special teams battle and stays disciplined on defense will hold the key to victory. The rink is set, and the outcome is in the balance.
