Damir Shayakhmetov: «From the first minute, it was clear that we were here to win»
09.11.2026
Reaktor goaltender Damir Shayakhmetov speaks with the media after a following 4–0 win over SKA Academy.
– Damir, congratulations on the win! How do you feel after the game?
– Thank you for the congratulations. It was a good game, and we prepared for it the right way. We won because of the collective effort and the correct decisions made by the whole team.
– This is not just a win for you – it is your first shutout. Any thoughts?
– It feels great. We will keep working just as hard – there is still plenty of work ahead. I thanked all the guys in the locker room after the game. I believe this shutout really belongs to them. A big thank you to them.
– We were ahead today, but in the final minutes, were you worried at all that the score might turn?
– No, that never crossed my mind. My job is to stop the puck. I had full confidence in the guys – from the first minute, it was clear that we were here to win and secure those points.
– Did you approach today’s game differently?
– We treat every game as if it were our last. Today was a battle for two points, and we proved to be the stronger side. The whole team really enjoyed the game. We have another crucial game coming up on Wednesday, and it was important to start this homestand with a win.
– Is it hard to stay in game shape when there are three goalies on the roster?
– Not at all. We have healthy competition among the goalies; we talk to each other and support one another. We have a great goalie coach who guides us and points out specific details. It helps us grow, which is incredibly valuable. I am happy and proud to be part of this team – with these fellow goalies and this coaching staff. I believe we have a lot of potential this season.
– Did the other goalies congratulate you?
– Yes, they did, big thanks to them. I believe this will not be our last shutout, and I hope the guys get to experience these same emotions again. Honestly, I would love for us to keep a clean sheet every game. It is a great feeling.
– In the locker room, you chose not to put on the best player talisman. Why is that?
– Like I said, I do not consider myself the best. I was just doing my job – stopping pucks. Today, the team did the bulk of the work by scoring some great goals.
– Thank you for the congratulations. It was a good game, and we prepared for it the right way. We won because of the collective effort and the correct decisions made by the whole team.
– This is not just a win for you – it is your first shutout. Any thoughts?
– It feels great. We will keep working just as hard – there is still plenty of work ahead. I thanked all the guys in the locker room after the game. I believe this shutout really belongs to them. A big thank you to them.
– We were ahead today, but in the final minutes, were you worried at all that the score might turn?
– No, that never crossed my mind. My job is to stop the puck. I had full confidence in the guys – from the first minute, it was clear that we were here to win and secure those points.
– Did you approach today’s game differently?
– We treat every game as if it were our last. Today was a battle for two points, and we proved to be the stronger side. The whole team really enjoyed the game. We have another crucial game coming up on Wednesday, and it was important to start this homestand with a win.
– Is it hard to stay in game shape when there are three goalies on the roster?
– Not at all. We have healthy competition among the goalies; we talk to each other and support one another. We have a great goalie coach who guides us and points out specific details. It helps us grow, which is incredibly valuable. I am happy and proud to be part of this team – with these fellow goalies and this coaching staff. I believe we have a lot of potential this season.
– Did the other goalies congratulate you?
– Yes, they did, big thanks to them. I believe this will not be our last shutout, and I hope the guys get to experience these same emotions again. Honestly, I would love for us to keep a clean sheet every game. It is a great feeling.
– In the locker room, you chose not to put on the best player talisman. Why is that?
– Like I said, I do not consider myself the best. I was just doing my job – stopping pucks. Today, the team did the bulk of the work by scoring some great goals.
