Anatolii Brezvin

Anatolii Ivanovych Brezvin (born 8 January 1956) is a Ukrainian former businessman, politician, and ice hockey executive. He earned an industrial accounting degree from Kyiv Institute of National Economy, a degree in international law and a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from Ukrainian Academy of Foreign Trade. He worked as a senior economist for the Kyiv City State Administration, and was head of the financial department for the Podilskyi District and Minskyi District councils. He later worked various positions in the State Tax Administration of Ukraine, and was chairman of the Ukrgasbank board of directors. In politics, he served on the Minskyi District Council, and on the Kyiv City Council as a member of the People's Party of Ukraine. Honors received include the Order of Merit first class, the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, and being named an Honored Economist of Ukraine.

As president of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine from 2006 to 2020, Brezvin oversaw establishment of a national youth hockey championship and the Ukrainian Cup, then its replacement by the Ukrainian Federation Cup. He endeavored to open 60 ice rinks to grow hockey in Ukraine, although only 12 new rinks and two refurbishments were completed. He transferred hosting duties for the Ukrainian Hockey Championship to the Professional Hockey League, but saw a decline in success of the Ukraine men's national team at the Ice Hockey World Championships which he attributed to the best players being absent due to commitments to professional leagues. He created a Ukrainian women's championship, entered the Ukraine women's national team into the World Women's Championship, and oversaw hosting 17 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events in Ukraine. He was awarded the Paul Loicq Award from the IIHF in 2024, for his contributions to international ice hockey.

Early life and education Anatolii Ivanovich Brezvin was born on 8 January 1956, in Holoby, Volyn Oblast, and grew up in a working class family. Kommersant reported that stock market investors called Brezvin a "creature" of Ukrainian prime minister Mykola Azarov.

In 2007, Brezvin began a program to open 60 ice rinks in the country within five years. Each rink was intended to become the base for development of sports in its region. According to Brezvin in 2008, implementing the program was problematic in some cities due to the lack of public funds and land allocated for rinks, and lack of investors. He oversaw Ukraine hosting 17 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events at various levels, including several junior ice hockey tournaments, and division 1-B tournaments for the 2011 Men's World Championships and the 2013 Men's World Championships. He also created a Ukrainian women's championship, and entered the Ukraine women's national team into the IIHF World Women's Championship. When placing second at the 2008 World Championship Division I, the national team did not regain its place in the top tier. Brezvin expected five to seven years to develop the necessary talent, and did not consider it a failure. Grievances included needed upgrades to the Palace of Sports in Kyiv, lack of success at international competitions, and a general lack of trust of confidence in the FHU.

In 2024, Channel 24 News reported that Brezvin wanted to return pro-Russian persons to senior positions within the FHU, and that he "unreasonably disrupted" the general meeting. Channel 24 News opined that "Brezvin did not work for the benefit of Ukrainian sports", which included his appointment of pro-Russian persons as vice-presidents of the FHU in 2008.

Honors and awards Brezvin was awarded the Order of Merit third class in 1997. It was upgraded to second class in 1999, and to first class in 2004. He was made an Honored Economist of Ukraine for contributions to the development of the tax service. Other honors include the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, the order "For the Development of Ukraine" IV degree in 2001, and the medal "For Labor Distinction" in 2002.

In recognition of developing international ice hockey, Brezvin received the Paul Loicq Award from the IIHF in 2024. The award was presented during the IIHF Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Personal life Brezvin has served as chairman of the board of the non-governmental organization [Our Choice]. His hobbies include swimming, fishing, and hunting. He is married, and has two sons and one daughter.