14 October 2025

Before the Game: Barys vs Sibir

Barys continues its home stretch with a matchup against Sibir. This will be the teams’ third meeting since the start of the season — both sides have one home win each (6–4 for Astana and 1–0 SO for Novosibirsk).

Since changing head coaches, Sibir has won two of its last three games. In their most recent outing, the team nearly let a victory slip away in Nizhnekamsk. During the game against Neftekhimik, the visitors built a two-goal lead thanks to Arkhip Nekolenko and Vladimir Butuzov, but the hosts tied it up and forced a shootout. In the end, the extra point went to Sibir, courtesy of their top scorer Nikita Soshnikov (2+8). Head coach Vyacheslav Butsayev noted that despite losing several players, his team played smart defensively in the third period.

After 13 games, Sibir has collected 12 points. Interestingly, they lead the league in shootout wins (5–0). Goalie Anton Krasotkin continues to top the KHL in goals-against average (1.48) and save percentage (94.9%). Defenseman David Farrance remains on the injured list, while forward Ivan Chekhovich joined the team yesterday after being traded from Shanghai for financial compensation.

Barys, meanwhile, fell 3–5 at home to Torpedo on Sunday. Kirill Panyukov scored in his return, with Semyon Simonov and Riley Walsh (4+7) adding one goal each — Walsh is now tied for the team scoring lead with Michael Vecchione (5+6). Alihan Omirbekov contributed two assists. Head coach Mikhail Kravets said his players once again made their usual mistakes — turnovers at the offensive blue line that led to counterattacks.

After 15 games, Barys sits at 13 points. The team’s injury list has grown to include forwards Maxim Mukhametov and Emil Galimov following the Torpedo game. Ivan Nikolishin has been placed on waivers.

The Barys – Sibir game starts at 7:00 p.m. Astana time.
Tickets are available at the Barys Arena box office and online at hcbarys.kz/tickets.
Live coverage will be broadcast on KHL TV and Qazsport.

General partner of HC Barys: JSC “Samruk Kazyna”
Partner of HC Barys: “Tourism and Sports Industry Support Fund”