Kondrat Reshetnikov: «My first shift was quite tense»
17.07.2025
18-year-old Reaktor forward Kondrat Reshetnikov spent two full seasons on the Neftekhimik. He made his debute in the JHL, and then in the KHL.
– Kondrat, how did you spend your vacation?
– I spent my vacation in work mode. We finished training with Reaktor on May 26, and there was just over a month left before the training camp, so there was not much time to rest. I went to relax at the sea, and then began to prepare for the season. I attended a training camp in my hometown of St. Petersburg. Then I came to Nizhnekamsk to continue preparing with the team.
– Did you miss the team, the training process?
– To be honest, I thought that I would miss the guys much more, but there was not enough time. I miss training a little, this atmosphere.
– It is already the second week of the training camp. How is it?
– The training camp started off well enough. On the first day we had the medical examination. The beginning was tough, but the coaches deliberately did not load us up too much so that we could get into the working rhythm. The load has increased since this week. If you have prepared enough during the preseason, then you can endure it, overcome yourself and become better.
– Some say that the preseason, when there are intense loads, you just have to survive and be prepared in advance for the fact that it will be difficult. Do you agree?
– Probably yes, you just have to overcome yourself. Whatever you say, the coaches know more, they understand that having gone through this load, it will be easier for us in the season. You just have to overcome yourself, overcome yourself, and everything will be fine.
– What is the hardest thing for you?
– Running cross-country in the morning. I can, but I do not like it.
– As always, the team roster is being significantly updated in the new season. A lot of guys left, and a lot of newcomers joined Neftekhimik. What can you say about the updated roster?
– In terms of hockey, I probably cannot say now that we have become stronger or, on the contrary, the team has become weaker. But in terms of the atmosphere, I can say that we are trying to maintain the same mood as last year. For us, there was an example of how the older guys do it – Andrei Eryomenko, Mark Marchinsky and Ilya Slepkov communicated with those who are younger. Therefore, we are trying to maintain our atmosphere.
– You have already played two full seasons in the JHL. Do you feel like an “old man”?
– Not a grown–up grandfather, but I understand that now the team is joining guys born in 2009, they are 16–17 years old, and I will be 20 in a year. I just feel like I have already come a certain way.
– Last season you had experience playing for Neftekhimik. Are you looking forward to another chance to prove yourself at the KHL level?
– If I get this chance, I will gladly take it.
– How did you find out that you were being called up to the first team?
– I found out quite unexpectedly. I was sitting in our dorm, playing on the computer, and our JHL team administrator, Igor Andreyevich, called me. He said: "Tomorrow, first team." At first, I did not understand anything. The guys were sitting in the room with me then. They asked: "To the first team, or what?" I said: "No", and I was smiling from ear to ear. Of course, they understood everything. The next day I came to Neftekhimik for the warm–up before the game. That same day there was a game against Metallurg.
– What can you say about your first shift in the KHL. How do you remember it?
– My first shift was quite tense. I go out on the ice and understand that I need to go to pick up the puck, you know, there was a physical play right away. I thought it would be better to get involved in the first seconds, so that later I would feel more prepared and relaxed. I won this puck battle, took the puck and seemed to calm down after that.
– How much does the level of play differ from the youth team?
– In terms of the level of play, I can say that the power struggle is very different. There, even if a person is not big, but still they are already grown men, they easily handle the load in terms of power struggle. This was difficult. In terms of speed and everything else, I would not say that there are big differences. Well, the main difference is probably the food on the road. Very tasty.
– How did your family and friends react?
– I did not tell anyone at all that I would be debuting in the KHL, because my mother would be worried. I think she would not sleep all night. So I only called my parents after the game. Of course, they were happy for me. Everyone understands that this is a big step. Even the five games that I played in the KHL are in my piggy bank.
– What is your goal for the upcoming season?
– Probably, first of all, I will set team goals – to reach the play–in and playoffs. As I noticed last season, with such an attitude comes personal success - good statistics, goals. The more you think about the team, the more you are rewarded. Therefore, the task is only the Cup.
– How real do you think the chances would be to debut in the KHL in St. Petersburg?
– I do not know how real the chances would be to get into the first team in SKA, but I think everything is possible. This is proven by the guys, Matvey Korotky, for example. He showed that it is possible to score and play at such a level in a big team, although objectively the competition is higher in the St. Petersburg club system. But, everything that happens, everything is for the best. I am glad that I am here, and it is good that I was given a chance here.
– You have been in Nizhnekamsk for two years already. Have you managed to get used to the city during this time?
– I was on vacation, and the atmosphere at home was not working anyway. I wanted to come here and feel it. I associate Nizhnekamsk with hockey because I came here to play. I like the city: there are a lot of trees, it is nice to be here. So I would say that Nizhnekamsk has become my second home.
