REGINA, SK — The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) is proud to congratulate La Ronge Ice Wolves forward Nikita Kulikov on his selection to Team Ukraine for the upcoming 2026 IIHF Division IA World U20 Hockey Championship, set for December 7–13, 2025, in Bled, Slovenia.
Kulikov, a 6’0, 198-pound native of Krivoy Rog, Ukraine, has earned the opportunity through strong international performances and steady development within the SJHL. The versatile forward has appeared in eight SJHL games split between the Kindersley Klippers and La Ronge Ice Wolves, recording two points while showcasing his competitiveness, physical strength, and responsible two-way play.
Internationally, Kulikov has been a consistent contributor for his country. At the 2024 IIHF U18 Division IA Championship, he posted 2 goals in 5 games. He followed that with a breakout performance at the 2025 IIHF U20 Division IB Championship, where he recorded 5 points (2G–3A) in 5 games, skating alongside former Battlefords North Stars forward Nikita Ivaschenko and helping Ukraine earn promotion to Division IA.
Now Kulikov steps onto an even bigger stage, where Ukraine will compete against Kazakhstan, Austria, Norway, Slovenia, and France. A gold medal would elevate Ukraine to the top division of the 2027 World Junior Championship—a monumental achievement for the nation’s hockey program.
In Ukraine’s official release, Kulikov expressed his excitement and commitment as he reunites with his national teammates:
“I’m actually very happy to be here now and to be able to fight for the chance to represent Ukraine in 1A.
The flight from Canada was very long and difficult, but I understand why it’s all for. Denisenko, Mironov and I only joined the team last night, so our first training was today. A lot of fighting, good pace, I feel the attitude to serious work and how the team is focused on winning.
We will do everything we can to ensure that our fans enjoy the team at the championship. I’m glad to be back!”
The SJHL is proud to see one of its athletes competing on the world stage and representing both the league and his home country with pride.
