At the PSM Icehouse in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the sound of skates carving the ice and the cheers of fans echo through the rink. For Ivan Khyrsa, a 20-year-old center from Dnipro, Ukraine, hockey is more than just a sport—it’s a sanctuary and a home away from home.
Khyrsa joined the Fort Wayne Spacemen during a time of upheaval in his homeland, with his family still residing in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Despite the emotional toll and language barriers, Khyrsa has thrived on the ice, forging connections with teammates and proving that sports have the power to unite people, even across divides as deep as war.
From Ukraine to Fort Wayne
Khyrsa’s journey to Fort Wayne was anything but ordinary. His path to joining the Spacemen began with a Ukrainian coach’s recommendation and a network of connections that ultimately brought him to Indiana. When he arrived, his English was limited, and communication with coaches and teammates often relied on translation apps. Over time, Khyrsa’s language skills improved significantly, thanks in part to the support of his “billet family”, or host family, Lisa Haas, who provided him with a sense of stability and belonging far from home.
“It wasn’t easy for him at first,” said Head Coach and General Manager of PSM Icehouse Kaleigh Schrock. “There were moments when he struggled emotionally, especially after calls with his family back in Ukraine. But hockey gave him a way to focus—a distraction from everything happening back home.”
An Unlikely Trio
Khyrsa’s success on the ice came into sharp focus when he was paired with two Russian teammates, Ivan Branashov and Bogdan Vysotsky. Despite their countries being on opposite sides of a tragic conflict, the trio found common ground through hockey. Their shared Slavic roots allowed them to communicate effectively in Russian, creating an unbreakable bond that translated into success on the ice.
“They were our best line heading into nationals,” Schrock explained. “It was incredible to see how they gelled together. They brought their own unique styles—Vysotsky’s powerful shot, Branashov’s speed and work ethic, and Khyrsa’s playmaking ability—and it created something special.”
The line became one of the most productive units for the Spacemen this season. Schrock described Khyrsa as a “point guard” on the ice, capable of setting up plays with precision and finding open teammates for scoring opportunities. Together, they embodied how sports can transcend political tensions.
Resilience Beyond Hockey
Off the ice, Khyrsa faced challenges that tested his resilience. Calls from family members back home often brought waves of emotion and moments of doubt about whether he should return to Ukraine. Yet through it all, hockey remained his anchor—a way to channel his energy and maintain focus.
Khyrsa’s growth has been remarkable—not just as a player but as an individual adapting to life far from home. His improved English skills have helped him connect more deeply with teammates and coaches, while his performances on the ice have made him one of the team’s standout players.
A Symbol of Hope
As Khyrsa prepares to age out of junior hockey at 20 years old, his story stands as a testament to the unifying power of sports. In Fort Wayne, he isn’t just seen as an international player; he’s a symbol of resilience—a reminder that shared goals can bridge even the deepest divides.
“It’s ironic how two Russian players ended up being his closest allies,” Schrock reflected. “But together they helped carry our team and helped us get to nationals”.
For Khyrsa, every game is played with his family back home in mind. He hopes to continue his hockey career at the collegiate level while inspiring others through his journey.
Ivan Khyrsa has proven that sports can be more than competition—they can be a connection. On the ice at PSM Icehouse, where borders blur and differences fade away under the shared passion for the game, Khyrsa has built bridges that remind us all of what truly matters: unity.
