Ivano Zanatta appointed as head coach

30 July 2021

Ivano Zanatta will serve as head coach of Chinese men’s national ice hockey team as well as head coach of HC Beijing Kunlun Red Star for 2021/22 KHL season.

Mr. Zanatta has extensive experience in international ice hockey. Having coached various clubs in Italy, Switzerland, Russia and Czech Republic he was also general manager of Italian national team and head coach of Croatian national team.

Alexei Kovalev, member of Kunlun Red Star for three previous seasons, will continue to serve as assistant coach and lead the entire coaching staff to fully cooperate with Mr. Zanatta. Clayton Beddoes and goalie coach Jari Kaarela will also join the Dragons.

Based on full communication and trust, Chinese National Ice Hockey Team and HC Beijing Kunlun Red Star will help the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics achieve good results and contribute to long-term development strategy of China’s ice hockey.