Marsel Garipov: «I scored first goal and got a special wristwatch»
11.07.2020
Marsel Garipov scored a first puck of «Neftekhimik» in the elite of Russian hockey. On September 7, 1995 he scored in the game against «SKA» from St. Petersburg.
- Marsel, do you remember the atmosphere in the team before the first game?
- We had our practice facilities in Almetyevsk. Our hockey arena in Nizhnekamsk was not ready. In Almetyevsk we played against our fist rivals. We were a little bit nervous before the game against «SKA». After first faceoff, we felt good.
- Did you and your teammates think about scoring a first goal of the team?
- We did not think about scoring a first goal. Our fans came from Nizhnekamsk by bus and we wanted to show our best hockey. The game was tied- 2:2. Unfortunately, «SKA» scored in the OT.
I was lucky to score first goal.
-Do you remember how it happened?
- I am not sure ... perhaps, Azat Vafin made a pass from the left side of the rink and I shot from the middle.
- Did you get an extra-money for the scored goal?
- I scored first goal and got a wristwatch. I keep it at home as an expensive gift.
- What are your memories from playing with «Neftekhimik»?
- Yeah, we were lucky enough to be the first guys who played there. We had an excellent managment, coaches like Gennady Sergeyev, Nikolai Solovyov. Despite the fact that I am from Kazan, I am happy that I was a part of that team from Nizhnekamsk.
- If I'm not mistaken, Viktor Tikhonov invited you to play with «CSKA»?
- Yeah, legendary coach Viktor Tikhonov invited me. I played there for three months on loan. Then «Neftekhimik» called me to be back.
- Where did you play after that?
- I played in Almetyevsk with «Neftyanik» team. I played there until 2001.
- What are you doing now?
- I have some business. I am a coach of non-professional team. This work gives me a lot of positive.