And although Russia’s delegation to the Winter Paralympics was barred because of the country’s invasion of Ukraine, that did not apply to Sharshukov because he is not representing Russia.
But there is scant information in English about Sharshukov on the internet, and he was not available to fill in the details. Even after China beat the Czech Republic, 4-2, on Wang’s game-winner with 1 minute 51 seconds remaining on Wednesday, it was virtually impossible for a reporter to speak to him, adding to the puzzle.
It was not the first time he breezed past reporters in the mixed zone, a setting where reporters and participants can chat. After China beat Italy, Sharshukov appeared eager to speak as the team’s manager and translator whisked him through. He stopped three times in an attempt to communicate with a reporter, but the team official said he was not allowed to talk because there was another game the next day.
That would amuse N.H.L. coaches, who are required to speak to reporters before and after all 82 regular-season games. Sharshukov finally threw up his arms apologetically, as if to say it was out of his hands. Wednesday was different. He just pointed to his watch and continued past. No time to chat, apparently, not with the mighty American team waiting for his team in two days.
Anton Politov, a project manager for Russia’s Adaptive Hockey Federation, which develops children’s sled hockey programs and other hockey events for blind and special needs athletes, was able to fill in some holes on the coach’s résumé. He worked alongside Sharshukov in junior para hockey from 2012 to 2017.
He said Sharshukov attended an institute in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and completed an advanced training degree titled, “Hockey Theory and Methods of Sports Training.” His players, Politov said, are his pupils.