GD1 · COACH PROFILE
Dmitriy
Gnitko.
Founder & head coach · Player development
A former professional hockey player from Kharkiv, Ukraine, with more than 20 years of experience in player development. Dmitriy brings his Druzhba-78 foundations and international coaching experience to GD1.
Explore GD1 campsTHE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE METHOD
A path built
on the ice.
From professional hockey and national team coaching to development camps across Europe, Dmitriy’s experience shapes GD1’s approach to power skating and individual player development.
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Hockey foundations
Druzhba-78, Kharkiv
Dmitriy is a graduate of the renowned Druzhba-78 hockey school in his hometown of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Its emphasis on skating fundamentals and disciplined training became the foundation of his playing career and coaching methodology.
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Playing experience
Professional hockey & club captaincy
During his professional playing career, Dmitriy served as captain of HC Levy in Lviv and was one of the club’s leading players. His experience of leadership and competition continues to inform how he prepares players for game situations.
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International coaching
Experience across Europe
Dmitriy has coached in Ukraine, Serbia, and Lithuania, and has spent many years working at international and elite player development camps across Europe. His work focuses on power skating, skating mechanics, puck control, and individual player development.
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National teams
Ukraine U16 & Serbia U18
His coaching experience includes serving on the staff of the Ukraine U16 National Team and as an assistant coach with the Serbia U18 National Team at the World Championship.
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GD1 today
Founder & head coach of GD1
Dmitriy leads GD1, a player development program specializing in power skating and individual hockey skills. Through focused camps, he applies a methodology used with youth athletes, high-level junior players, and professionals.
THE GD1 PRINCIPLE
“You just need to follow the methodology and our recommendations.”
Dmitriy’s coaching philosophy combines strong skating fundamentals, hockey IQ, and efficient movement patterns that transfer directly into game situations. GD1 camps give players structured time to develop those habits through consistent, purposeful work.