Ivan has been competing professionally since he was 16 years old. He has previously competed for GB universities in the 2017 Winter Universidade which took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan where GB finished tenth. He has been nominated as assistant captain for 2019.

This Student Opportunities funding is for University Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia from 27th February till 10th March 2019. Ivan has been chosen to represent the Great Britain University Team at the next University Games. The University Games is the university version of the Olympics and participating in them is an extreme honour and responsibility. Having participated in the University Games in 2017 (in Almaty) Ivan can reflect on the experience and have a great appreciation for the stature and competition level of this event.  By funding this project, Royal Holloway University will be represented at an international stage and further increase awareness within our University of the excellent sporting opportunities that this university provides.  Additionally, the University Games provide an opportunity to raise awareness of ice hockey as a sport, as well as inspiring the future generation of British ice hockey players of gaining valuable education while still reaching high competing levels. Ivan will be writing a blog of his experiences at the University Games which will be included in the Royal Holloway Student Newsletter.