Andrey Loktionov Leaves SKА Over Clash with Coach Larionov

Andrey Loktionov will soon cease playing for the St. Petersburg SKА. According to press reports, the immediate cause of his exit was a dispute with the team«s mentor, Igor Larionov.

The disagreement flared up after a KHL championship match with Sochi on January 16. In that game, Loktionov did not appear on the ice in the third period and finished with a plus-minus rating of minus 2. After the final siren, an emotional conversation took place between him and the coach.

According to insider information, during the conversation, Loktionov stated, «I»m not a boy to be taught like that,« and also questioned Larionov»s decisions. The head coach in response made it clear that the forward might not consider himself part of the team.

Igor Larionov subsequently publicly confirmed the separation from the player. At a press conference after the game with Spartak on January 22, he said, «He is no longer with the team. We are trying to find a trade for him.»

In the current season, the 35-year-old Loktionov played 34 matches for SKА, earning 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists). His plus-minus rating of –11 was the worst among the St. Petersburg team.

Loktionov joined SKА before the start of the current season, after Larionov had taken over the club. The hockey player has known the coach since childhood, and in the past, Larionov even represented his interests as an agent.