Marat Khairullin :"The sky is the limit "

Marat Khairullin played 62 games last season and got 24 (14 + 10) points. 

«Neftekhimik» re-signed Marat for two years contract. Marat as well as we are is following the global advice to stay home.

-Last week, you and some other hockey players, could be seen on the ice of the «Neftekhim Arena» and in the gym. Now we are staying at home. Could you share with your suggestions about how to fill in the time and keep in shape?

 - Sure, I am trying to follow simple rules and keep in shape - some exercises at home, nutrition rules. Also, I watch TV shows and movies and play board game - battleship.

   - Marat you are from Volzhsk. The city itself, frankly speaking, has not any hockey traditions and celebrities. The team «Ariada» played one season in VHL. In 2017, they left the league due to financial difficulties and ultimately disbanded. Could you tell us about your hockey childhood? How did you manage to play in the KHL?

   - My hockey biography is not different from other players. I started play hockey in the second grade («Ariada» team). I played hockey on the street with my brother and his friends. Then in Volzhsk, an ice hockey arena was built. Coaches visited schools and invited children to the team.

   -Before playing here in «Neftekhimik» you played in «Olimpia» from Kirovo-Chepetsk. Why did you choose Kirovo-Chepetsk than Kazan, Togliatti and Nizhnekamsk?

   - I do not agree that it could be easier in Kazan or Nizhnekamsk rather than in Kirovo-Chepetsk: an ice hockey arena with well-developed infrastructure, a winter hockey rink. About famous players, I know Myshkin, Trefilov, Krikunov, Maltsev and others. I spent 6 years in «Olympia» team. They provided me with: school, boarding school, food. I am so grateful!

   - How did Vladimir Krikunov invite you to Nizhnekamsk?

- We played the last season in «Olimpia», and the director of the school told me and two other children, Yegor Matashkov and Sasha Fedotov, that coach Vladimir  Krikunov was interested to invite us to Nizhnekamsk. We completed training camp and became a part of «Neftekhimik». I think that Vladimir Krikunov has a special relationship with Kirovo-Chepetsk.

   - Do you remember how it was going in "Reaktor". Was there any desire to go back or move to another city?

   - Oh, there was not any desire to go back. It was clear that I got a good chance to move forward. I was ready to coop with all of problems I faced. I played in «Reaktor» and «Neftekhimik», got a good experience. As for me, the most memorable season is when we («Reaktor» team) got a silver medal of JHL (russian – МХЛ). Nizhnekamsk with population of 230 thousand people, where in «Reaktor» consisted of 99% players from Nizhnekamsk, beat the teams of such hockey centers as St. Petersburg, Kazan, Yaroslavl, Chelyabinsk, Ufa and many others. I am glad to be involved in this success. In general, then we had a wonderful, friendly, close-knit team.

- When did you realize that you were able to play at higher level?

  - Honestly, I never thought about it. Things will take their natural course. I still don’t think that I have achieved any success. In order to achieve something in life we need to work hard.

- How did you study at school? For the sake of High School Certificate or knowledge?

   - Of course, I was not a straight-A student. I tried to do my best in studying. I understood that hockey is for a certain period of time.Therefore, It was extremely difficult to study and to practice and to play hockey.

   - It is clear that you moved to the next level this season. You scored 14 goals. We pointed your accuracy of shot. Which of the 14 goals is the most memorable for you?

   - I can’t say that I made something special. I try to have an extra practice on and off the ice. The sky is the limit (laughs). All 14 goals are memorable for me.

   First of all, I am thankful to our coaching staff. I got a lot of on ice time, I felt their trust. The whole team helped each other. We had a successful season.

 

- Do you remember you first KHL goal?

- I made my debut on August 28, 2015 we played against «Avtomobilist». The first goal I scored on October 29 in Nizhnekamsk, we played against «Lokomotiv», Jeff Taffe and Zhenya Grigorenko helped me to do it. Moreover, it was a game-winning goal. This puck is stored on a shelf in a conspicuous place in the parents' house.

   - How did dad and mom to help you to become a hockey player?

   - The most important this is family. I felt tremendous support, it gave me additional strength. It can be said that my family and friends also got a hockey life. They worried about my failures, were happy when I got achievements, drove me to practices. They still support me in everything, I am grateful for this. They are trying to visit games of «Neftekhimik» in Nizhnekamsk and in Kazan. Mostly they cheer for me while watching hockey on TV.

- You had a lot of coaches in your hockey career who taught you the wisdom of this game. Could you single out one of them?

- Each coach gave me a piece of his knowledge and experience, everyone tried to teach me something new, so I can’t single out anyone. I am grateful to everyone for their work and sincerely wish them positive emotions from their job and, of course, to be healthy! 

I would like to thank our fans who have been with us during the all season! They motivate us, give us more energy, help us to grow in professional terms. Anyway, we must follow the recommendations of health organizations and stay home. Please, take care of yourself and your loved ones in this difficult time. Everything will be fine!