People
Maxim Birbraer’s path from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Israel’s national team
A hockey career with both departures and a return.
Published
This is a translation. The original is Русский. Language review: not performed by a native speaker.
In a 2005 interview, Maxim Birbraer recalled that his grandfather Anatoly first took him to the ice rink. Later, when the hockey player was playing abroad, his grandfather asked him to send recordings of matches. His professional career thus remained part of family life.
Birbraer was born in Ust-Kamenogorsk and trained in the local Torpedo hockey system. After his family moved to Israel, he continued playing and represented the national team. In 2000, the New Jersey Devils selected him in the draft.
His connection with his home city extended beyond childhood. In the 2008/09 season, Birbraer played for Kazzinc-Torpedo. His international career included a return to the ice in Ust-Kamenogorsk.