Maxim Berezin :«She loves me the way I am»

22.04.2022

Maxim Berezin talks with us about his off-ice life.

– I was born in Izhevsk and played there hockey. Some time later, I moved to Nizhnekamsk. In 2002 coach, Boris Vladimirovich Shamarin invited me to play in Nizhnekamsk. 

– Why did you choose to play hockey?
– In Izhevsk at that time, there was only one hockey school. My parents and I just lived near that school.

– Maxim, we are not going to talk much about hockey today. At the same time, I would like to ask you something. What do you think, what is the secret of Boris Vladimirovich Shamarin’s work? He helped so many guys became great players.

– I think he had a tremendous experience and insight. Together, these two qualities helped him to make the right choice among future prospects. Boris was my coach for three years. In this short time, he did a great job. He was a very positive person, but at the same time, he was strict and fair. 

– Let’s speak about off-ice stuff. How did you meet your wife Adelya?
– We went to the school #35. We had an extra math class. It was the first time I met her. Later, there was a school party and I invited her to dance. 

– What about your grades?
– I studied not bad (laughs). Seriously, but I had to miss a lot of lessons, and then do my best to catch up other children in terms of studying. By the way, I passed my final exams with a B grade.

– How long were you dating before the wedding?
– Well, about three years. 




– Getting married at 18 is considered quite a risky step. What made you to make this decision?
– To be honest, in the first year of our relatinships I made plans for the future in my head. She was the only one who I wanted to be my wife.
 
– Did Adelya know then that she would become your wife?
– I do not know (laughs)... I did not talk with Adelya about this topic at that time.

– What about your proposal?
– We had a conversation with Adelya about that. There was nothing special. After the game, I came to her house with a bouquet of flowers and a ring. Two months later, there was a wedding.

– Three years after the wedding, your son Rodion was born, and then your daughter Karolina. Did the birth of children change your life in some way?
– First of all, it is responsibility. It became clear that my wife needed more help and more care for her. You know, when I on the road with the team, she is busy with the children.

– By the way, about trips. Is it difficult to be far from each other?
– Probably not. We just miss each other. We talk a lot at home.


– The main thing in your family life at this stage is hockey. What else is there besides hockey?
– Children, of course. I am playing hockey, my son is playing hockey. We decided that it would be better for our daughter not to be a hockey player. Two hockey players is enough for our family. A lot of time, I spent with our children. My son lives in another city...

– Does Rodion study at school in Nizhnekamsk?
– No, he stayed in Yekaterinburg with his grandmother. He studies there and plays at the SKA-Yunost hockey school. We decided to leave him there because he wanted to stay there. You know, changing schools and coaches is a big stress for a child.





–How is your son doing in hockey?
– I think that everything is fine. He plays for the senior year in the first roster.

– D-man?
– No, he is forward. Also, he's doing well at school. Sure, he has missed some classes. We immediately discussed this situation with the teachers. Rodion does a lot of work with tutors, making up for lost time.

– Did you and your wife have any misunderstandings in your relationship?
– Sure, we had. It is part of relationships, but we get through it without any problems, you know.

– We know you celly after scoring goals - the kiss of the ring and the directed hand towards your wife. Where did it come from?
– This is from the time when we were not yet married. I hope that everyone like that, especially my wife.





– What is the thing that you appreciate the most from Adelya?
– She loves me the way I am. After all, I also have some of my own things like other people. She loves our children and takes care of us. I am grateful for that.

– Hockey season is over. You are all together now. How do you spend your time?
– Now, we are busy with rehabilitating our son, who suffered a fracture of the calcaneus during the game. He missed three months. Me and my son go to the skating rink to make it easier for him. In the evening our family play various games and read fairy tales.

– Do Adelya cook delicious food or do you prefer to visit cafes?
– Adelya is very good at cooking. Her crab salad is superb. 
We can order food delivery only if we do not have time to get home in time after training or school. Well, on holidays we can visit some cafe or restaurant. 

– Do you communicate more with your parents or your wife's parents?
– My dad and mom live in St. Petersburg. That is why we spend more time with Adelya's parents. As I said, her mother is with Rodion in Yekaterinburg, and her father constantly helps us in family matters.

– Did you get a good mother-in-law?
– I just got lucky with her. She always wishes and wants us to be happy with Adelya. She is a wise woman, always gives us good advice and helps. I will tell you a secret, my mother-in-law is mostly on my side (laughs). I do not think everyone is so lucky.

– After 13 years of marriage, maybe, you have some family traditions…
– Perhaps, we try to celebrate every birthday of Rodion and Karolina with the invitation of animator for Children's birthday.
We want them to remember these holidays.

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