Hunter Shinkaruk: «Inside our locker room, we have a truly great and hardworking group»

Hunter Shinkaruk talks about his hockey career, favourite dish and Nizhnekamsk city.

– It is not a long time since you joined our team. Nevertheless, Neftekhimik fans are interested in getting to know about you, your first steps on the ice and about your hockey career.

– I’m born in Calgary Alberta, Canada. I started playing hockey at the age of two. My parents put me and my sister Savaya into all types of sports but I fell in love with hockey. I’ve been lucky enough to achieve many of my childhood dreams so far in my career, in 2013 I was selected in the 1st round of the NHL draft by the Vancouver Canucks. I was able to play my first NHL game with them before being traded to my hometown team the Calgary Flames. With Calgary I recorded my first NHL goals and points. It really was a dream come true and a memory I will always be proud of. Now it is my 10th year of professional hockey, it is still my greatest passion and joy in life and I feel incredibly proud and grateful that it is my job.

– You have an interesting name. It seems that your parents knew that their son would become a hockey player. You know, forwards they are like a hunter who is looking for prey. Hockey players are looking for scoring goals.

– My name is definitely unique. I believe my Mom had always really liked the name Hunter, and when they found out I would be a boy they decided to name me Hunter. I guess being an offensive hockey player who is trying to create plays and score, my name ended up fitting well with my playing type.

– It is not a first year in the KHL for you. You played for Kunlun RS, Dinamo Riga. Now you are part of Neftekhimik. Perhaps, you have some interesting memories or impression of each of these clubs. It would be a pleasure for us to hear it from you.

– I have been very blessed to play in the KHL for 4 years now. I first came over here to play for Kunlun, I really loved my time there. I’m fortunate they gave me a chance and I was lucky to have great success while playing there. It is a place that I will always carry many fond memories of. My 3rd season was with Dinamo Riga. Like my time in Kunlun I enjoyed this year, although the year had many ups and downs it was an incredible organization and I have nothing but good things to say about Dinamo Riga. Now, I am here. From the first day, I got to Nizhnekamsk I have absolutely loved playing here. We have a first class organization, our staff is absolutely incredible. Inside our locker room, we have a truly great and hardworking group. It’s an honour to play here and everyday I am doing all I can do help our team make playoffs and make a long run in playoffs. As well, we truly have the best fans in the KHL, their support each game gives us a lot of energy and it makes playing a lot of fun.

– What kind of character do you have?

– Away from the ice I like to think that I am a happy and positive person who is dedicated to my profession. I enjoy spending time with the guys on the team, having fun and enjoying our time. My hobbies during the year are full of a few different activities. I enjoy catching up with everyone I’m close with back home via FaceTime. I do not get to see them over here so it’s always a special time in my day when we catch up. I also love watching other sports on TV, I’m a big NFL fan so on days there is American football I am watching the games. I also try to read during the year, it’s a good way to relax my mind after our training. I also enjoy listening to music, I’ve always been a big rap fan so most days there will be a time where I’m listening to my favourite songs.

– Do you like Nizhnekamsk? How do you feel here?

– Nizhnekamsk is an amazing city. I’ve really loved my time here so far, from the people I have met outside the rink to the people inside our organization I can’t say enough good things about it all. I’ve enjoyed the restaurants in the town and everything it has to offer. It’s been amazing so far and I’m very fortunate that I am able to play in this city and I strive to represent our organization and city in a positive way.