The crazy world of Polish hockey rarely takes a break from insane stories, but we now have a new one. Maxim Sergeyev, who spent the last two seasons with UKS Zaglebie Sosnowiec, has been charged with espionage. The 20-year-old is accused of being part of a Russian spy group with 14 other people that also carried out acts of sabotage ordered by Russian intelligence, according to the BBC.

Sergeyev came to Poland at the start of the 2022 season. He had spent the entirety of his junior career in the Russian junior system, mainly with Khimik Voskresensk. He never played above the Russia U18 level. A stay-at-home defenseman, he spent most of his time in Poland’s second level, the MHL. He played in both 2022 and 2023 for UKS Zaglebie Sosnowiec recording ten points in 43 games. During the 2022 season, he was able to earn a call-up to Poland’s top league, the Polska Hokej Liga. He would play in five games with Sosnowiec’s top club Zaglebie Sosnowiec.

It is not currently known if he was contracted by any Polish team for the 2024 season or beyond. He is currently being held in pre-trial detention and, if found guilty, faces upwards of ten years in prison. The Russian government has protested his arrest and asked for him to be released.

If you want to keep up with all the Polish hockey action, make sure to follow us on Twitter @PolandHockey, like our Facebook page, and add us on Instagram @PolishPuck_. Also, support us on Patreon to help keep the content flowing!