In the war against the Russian invaders, during fierce battles in the Kharkiv region, Oleksandr Poida gave his life for Ukraine. A former hockey player, children’s coach, and athlete who raised more than one generation of boys—teaching them not only the game but also courage.
Oleksandr was born in Dniprodzerzhynsk (now Kamianske) in the Sicheslav region. From an early age, sports shaped his character: demanding of himself, honest in competition, resilient, and determined. These very qualities became his compass both on the ice rink and on the battlefield.
Oleksandr’s athletic path led him through several Ukrainian hockey teams. In the early 2000s, he played for Kherson’s “Dnipro,” where, from 2001 to 2010, he became a recognizable figure in the Ukrainian championship. After finishing his playing career, he remained in the sport as a mentor—coaching children’s and youth teams of Kryvyi Rih’s “Kryvbas” and Kherson’s “Dnipro.”
Under his guidance, the “Kryvbas” team of the 2005 age group won the bronze medal at the 2018–2019 Ukrainian Championship. It was more than just a medal—it was a symbol of hard work, trust, and shared faith in victory.
The heart of the athlete and warrior stopped on one of the hottest frontlines in eastern Ukraine—the Kupiansk direction in the Kharkiv region—where the enemy hurls new forces into battle every day. He was 53.
Eternal glory and everlasting memory to the Hero.