Kirill Stolyarov: «The guys supported me right from the start»
08.09.2026
Neftekhimik forward Kirill Stolyarov speaks with the media after a following 5–1 win over Sochi.
– Kirill, congratulations on your KHL debut. How are you feeling right now?
– Thanks! It is a great feeling. The guys supported me right from the start. When I stepped onto the ice, my teammates were shouting, "Well done!" It was a real pleasure playing today.
– Did you get a chance to play the puck?
– Yes, of course. I went out for one shift; I did not lose possession, so I guess I contributed to the team.
– What’s the atmosphere like? Is it much different from the JHL – both within the team and in the stands?
– Of course, when the arena is full and the crowd is shouting "Let's go, let's go," it really boosts your spirits. The atmosphere within the team is livelier than in the junior league, too.
– Were you feeling nervous before the game?
– Naturally, there were some jitters and a bit of nerves. But once the game started, those feelings seemed to fade away, and things felt much easier.
– Thanks! It is a great feeling. The guys supported me right from the start. When I stepped onto the ice, my teammates were shouting, "Well done!" It was a real pleasure playing today.
– Did you get a chance to play the puck?
– Yes, of course. I went out for one shift; I did not lose possession, so I guess I contributed to the team.
– What’s the atmosphere like? Is it much different from the JHL – both within the team and in the stands?
– Of course, when the arena is full and the crowd is shouting "Let's go, let's go," it really boosts your spirits. The atmosphere within the team is livelier than in the junior league, too.
– Were you feeling nervous before the game?
– Naturally, there were some jitters and a bit of nerves. But once the game started, those feelings seemed to fade away, and things felt much easier.
