Sokil Crowned Champion: Kyiv Team Defeats Kremenchuk in Fourth Playoff Final Match

In a thrilling encounter on Saturday, April 4, Sokil Kyiv triumphed over Kremenchuk with a score of 3-2 in the fourth match of the Ukrainian hockey championship playoff final series. This victory propelled Sokil ahead in the series with a score of 3-1, bringing them closer to seizing the coveted championship title.

The match took place on Kremenchuk's home ice, where the hosts managed to take a narrow lead in the first period, thanks to a goal from Vitaliy Lyalka, who opened the scoring just three minutes into the game. Lyalka's impressive performance was bolstered by his teammate Kryvoshapkin, who provided the assist on the play.

However, Sokil showcased their strength in the second period, responding with three goals. The first to score was Daniil Tyshchenko, who equalized at the 24th minute, capitalizing on a power play with precise passes from Oliynyk and Tolstushko. Just two minutes later, Sviatoslav Tymchenko put Sokil ahead, scoring with an assist from Zakharov. By the 36th minute, Denys Borodai extended the Kyiv team's lead, again converting on a power play with assists from Kryklya and Ratushny.

In the final period, Lyalka managed to score again, completing his double at the 49th minute. However, this effort was not enough for Kremenchuk to avoid defeat. Despite their attempts, the home team could not equalize, and the match concluded with a score of 3-2 in favor of Sokil.

With this victory, Sokil leads the final series 3-1, which means they have the opportunity to clinch the championship title on April 7 at their home rink. This could mark a significant achievement for the club, which is eager to reclaim its position at the top of Ukrainian hockey.

According to match statistics, the fourth match of the 2025/26 Ukrainian championship final ended with Kremenchuk losing to Sokil 2-3 (1-0, 0-3, 1-0). The goals were scored in the following order: 1-0 — Lyalka (Kryvoshapkin), 03:47; 1-1 — Tyshchenko (Oliynyk, Tolstushko, power play), 23:29; 1-2 — Tymchenko (Zakharov), 25:30; 1-3 — Borodai (Kryklya, Ratushny, power play), 35:38; 2-3 — Lyalka (Kryvoshapkin), 48:12.

It is worth noting that last season, Kremenchuk won the championship title by defeating the Kyiv Capitals in the final series. This fact underscores the significance of the current series, as Sokil has the chance to avenge last season's defeat.

Additionally, another significant event recently took place in the world of hockey: the United States national hockey team won Olympic gold for the first time in 46 years, defeating Canada in overtime. This victory sparked considerable reaction, with reports of one Canadian even cutting his television in half with a chainsaw following the loss of their national team in the Olympic final. The White House also chimed in, mocking Canada after the U.S. victory in the 2026 Games final.

Thus, the hockey world is experiencing a busy period, with Ukrainian teams like Sokil and Kremenchuk continuing to compete for the highest honors in their country.