Alexander Panov: «I started playing hockey when I was four»
22.10.2025
Reaktor forward Alexander Panov talks about his first JHL season.
– Alexander, a busy home series is just around the corner. How are your preparations going?– We returned from the road over the weekend and had a good rest. We started training on Monday. Our goal is to win every game.
– The home series opens with a game against SKA Academy, a team you recently played in St. Petersburg. Do you have a clear idea of how to beat them this time?
– Of course! We always carefully analyze our opponents. But now, having experienced the skill level of the St. Petersburg club's players, we have an idea of how to play against them. In fact, in our previous match against them, we played excellently for 50 minutes, but something inexplicable happened in the remaining time. You could say we handed the victory over to them. I'm confident we won't make the same mistakes in the upcoming match.
– It's worth remembering that the team won two games on the road. Will that give the team confidence in the next few games?
– Yes, for 100%. The main thing is to keep up the momentum and win home games. After all, I want to please the fans.
– Overall, how is your adaptation to the team going?
– The adaptation is going great! We have a close-knit team where everyone is ready to fight for each other. I feel right at home at Reaktor.
– There are a lot of guys from St. Petersburg on the team. Do they help you integrate into the team as quickly as possible?
– Yes, of course. We have guys who graduated from the SKA system. We have a lot in common, reminiscing about the past. And I often ran into Anton Shalda last season.
– Actually, I mentioned this city for a reason. You're originally from Novosibirsk, but you spent most of your childhood in Moscow, and you graduated from SKA St. Petersburg. What's it like to go through such a change at such a young age?
– It's not easy, to say the least. Going through such a change when you haven't yet entered adulthood... I guess only those guys who've experienced it will understand. But I think it's been good for me. The moves have only strengthened me, and I've become more resilient to changes in environment. I think this is helping me settle into a new team faster.
– And yet, which of these teams had the most influence on your development as a hockey player?
– First of all, I'm grateful to all of them. They all influenced me in different ways. But the SKA system probably had the most influence on me. I spent my senior year there and I think the club really prepared me for the MHL.
– You transferred to Reaktor this summer. Why did you choose the Nizhnekamsk club?
– I'm very glad I was able to transfer to Reaktor. The team is friendly, and the coaching and administrative staff are excellent. And I chose the Nizhnekamsk club because I like the Neftekhimik system.
– How would you rate the city overall?
– Nizhnekamsk is a great city. It has a completely different culture, which I really like. My first impressions of the city are only positive.
– It seems like you've always lived in cities with a population of over a million. Nizhnekamsk is more modest in that regard. Have you gotten used to the new reality?
– I think that's what makes Nizhnekamsk so appealing. It's a quiet city, and everything is within walking distance. So yes, I've gotten used to the new environment.
– When did you start playing hockey?
– I started playing hockey when I was four. I like team sports because game thinking plays a key role in success. And, of course, I fell in love with hockey because of its speed. Every second counts.
– Do your parents watch your games?
– Yes. My parents try to follow every game I play. This tendency began in childhood, for which I am very grateful.
– Let's go back to your performance for Reaktor. You scored your debut goal in the JHL against Snezhnye Barsy. Tell us about that goal.
– A first goal in the JHL is a memorable event for every player. A big thank you to my teammates for putting me in a scoring position. They made the most of the moment, and from then on, it was all in my hands.
– It seems like it was after that goal that you really broke through...
– By the way, I had a lot of good chances in that game. Unfortunately, I couldn't capitalize on them. But I can say that that goal gave me confidence. I think that's very important for a hockey player. But we can't stop there; we need to keep working and improving.
– In the last few games, you've been playing on the top two lines. How much does the coaching staff's trust affect a player?
– I thank the coaching staff for their trust. It only has a positive impact on me, as I feel more confident on the ice.
– Probably more responsibility, too?
– Of course! But it's worth noting that I don't feel any pressure.
– It seems like you've developed a fantastic rapport with Muissu. What can you say about him?
– Chris (Shoe Christoph Muissu), like me, is a graduate of the SKA system. We work well together on the ice. He has a lot of experience playing in the JHL and has also played in the KHL. So I'm glad to be on the same line with such an experienced player. He's helping me develop.
– How often do you follow the main team's games?
– Whenever possible. If we're not on the road, I come to the ice rink and watch the team play. Sometimes, I even watch their practices.
– Do you notice any KHL games?
– Always! To develop, you need to discover new things, notice certain things. I especially follow the center forwards. Analyzing the games of adult hockey players is very important for development.
– What do you prefer: following the game live or watching it on TV at home?
– I prefer watching it live, but I can't always be there. In that case, of course, I have to watch it on TV. But that's fine with me.
– I suppose watching the games gives you a goal—to break into the best league in the country?
– I think all the guys playing in the JHL have that goal. But to achieve your goals, you need to work tirelessly and develop.
– What's your goal for this season?
– First and foremost, to reach the play-in with the team. Then, to make it to the playoffs and compete in every game. Right now, I need to establish myself on the team, contribute as much as possible, and, as I said earlier, develop.
