Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – With the devastation and tragedy brought on by war when Russia first invaded Ukraine in February 2022, all goalkeeper Oleksandr Popravka could do was try over and over to contact his family.
He couldn't.
Popravka had moved to Canada in 2017 to pursue semi-pro soccer in the Toronto area. His hometown of Kyiv was among Russia's first targets and his family was caught up in it, trying to survive.
"It was hard because there were no connections," said Popravka, a rookie on the Griffins men's soccer team this season. "I tried to call them, but no chance. At that time, Russia blocked any connections.
"It started to become better in April when they were gone from my region."
His family was able to eventually get word to him they were OK, but in the surreal fog of war, nothing was normal.
"At the beginning of the war, it was in our region, and it was so bad I didn't have connections with my family for two or three weeks," he said. "They just sent me messages that 'we're OK.' But they didn't have any water, gas, heat or electricity.
"They were cooking outside – burn a fire, cook outside and get water wherever they could get it. So, it was a tough time."
While the war continues, things have somewhat normalized in Ukraine to the point where professional soccer leagues are in operation. Popravka's younger brother Yehor is a defender with Kolos Kovalivka in Ukraine's top division. And stadiums are allowed to have 25 per cent capacity.
"It's hard to watch because it's nine hours' time difference," said Popravka. "So, sometimes they play five in the morning our time, so I will watch highlights or a replay. But I try to watch him live if I can."
His brother is no doubt keeping tabs on him, as well, as he gets set for his Griffins' home debut this weekend. MacEwan will host defending Canada West champion Mount Royal on Saturday and Calgary on Sunday (both 12 p.m., Edmonton Scottish Dome, Canada West TV).
Popravka started both of MacEwan's first two games on the road at Lethbridge and Saskatchewan last weekend.
Oleksandr Popravka makes one of his four saves against Lethbridge Aug. 30, stopping a point-blank chance by Carson Moore (Cam Yoos photo).
"We expected to bring some points from those two away games, but unfortunately we didn't get any points," he said. "We were sad about the result, but anyway we keep going and we'll try to do our best in the next games."
Popravka made some highlight-reel stops in the games and enters the weekend third in the conference in saves/game (5.00). His aggressive style was on full display, as he challenged shooters and even ran up as far as the 40-yard line to kickstart MacEwan's attack when they were trying to rally back against Saskatchewan.
"He's definitely a more modern-day keeper in that we want him to be part of the 11, not just a goalkeeper plus 10," said head coach Adam Loga. "So, he's with us in the full unit, incorporating him in our build out patterns, how he possesses in zone 1, zone 2.
"He's a big part in terms of that aggression and that willingness and courage to get himself involved in all phases."
Introducing Oleksandr Popravka! pic.twitter.com/4DjEYWXepH
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Soccer (@GriffinsMSOC) August 30, 2024
Popravka is also one of the oldest rookies U SPORTS has ever seen as he turns 32 this month. His veteran presence is a welcome addition to not only the position group, but the roster, which is fairly young.
"He leads by example, for sure," said Loga. "He brings an intensity and work rate to training, which is definitely welcomed by the staff. He communicates well out of the back. He not just shouting, he gives direction and instruction, which is class because it obviously gives you another set of eyes back there for the staff."
His experience goes deeper than just his age; Popravka started playing pro at age 15 in Ukraine, which has a different model than Canada. Age out of youth soccer and you join the adult ranks as there is no university league.
"I started playing adult soccer for money in Ukraine at 15," he said. "So, I remember when you have this pressure, especially when you lose and make a mistake. You get more pressure from older guys because they lose money.
"So, it's a little bit different than here. But again, you have to play under pressure with people in the stadium."
Oleksandr Popravka leaps to make a save against Lethbridge Aug. 30 - one of 10 stops he made last weekend (Cam Yoos photo).
The Griffins are set to play all of their home games at Edmonton Scottish, the facility where they train. This weekend, they'll be after their first win of the season, and their first goal.
"We're excited to be home," said Loga, who will be coaching in his 100th game with the Griffins on Saturday. "Being able to play where we practise has been a huge breath of fresh air within the group. Obviously, (we've had) some misfortunes throughout training camp and late in the summer with some injuries, and situations with guys on trial in August. We have lost a little bit, but the boys have taken it square on and we've been coming together, knowing we just have to come closer to keep progressing.
"It will be a fun weekend," he added. "To see the old lads back at MRU and now Ramon (Mifflin) at U of C. Ramon and I were assistant coaches for Ryan (Gyaki) back at MRU and now we're all head coaching teams in Canada West here against each other. To start our U SPORTS and Canada West journeys together and now to coach against one another all in one weekend is pretty special."
The Griffins have some ground to make up, so getting points is crucial. As for Popravka's goals, they're simple.
"Win our next game and take less goals in my net," he said. "That's it. I want to win every game and get less goals (against)."
