Mikhail Andreyev: «I can confidently say that there are no indifferent people on our team»
20.08.2025
Reaktor forward Mikhail Andreyev talks about his first JHL season.
– Mikhail, how is the preseason going?– Preseason training is going as usual. We worked a lot on our physical fitness and managed to play six games. This week we are preparing for the tournament in Togliatti, where we will play our final preseason games.
– What can you say about exhibition games?
– The first two games against Sputnik were hard to play. This was to be expected, because we had not taken part in any games for a couple of months. Then we played two more games against Tolpar and Ladya. The coaching staff is trying out different combinations, giving the guys a chance on tryout contracts. Based on the games and the training process, we can safely say that we are moving in the right direction.
– The tournament in Togliatti is starting soon. What do you think is the most important thing in such tournaments?
– Regardless of the opponent and the level of the tournament, we always strive to win. Of course, in Togliatti we will try to win every game, because victories always benefit the team.
– I noticed that lately you have been playing in a trio with Artyom Berezin and Danil Shishkin. Did you manage to find chemistry with the guys?
– Actually, I have known Shishkin for a long time. We played against each other when we were kids. I only managed to meet Berezin in Reaktor, but we found a common language pretty quickly. I think if you get along with a player off the ice, then the situation on the ice will be corresponding. So we like to go out in the same trio, everything is going well for us.
– Let me lighten the mood. Tell me how you got into hockey?
– My dad used to play hockey. And when I was two years old, he showed me this sport on TV. Perhaps it was decided what sport I would play even before I was born (laughs).
– Did you immediately decide to become a forward?
– Yes, I only wanted to play in this position. As a child, I had no desire to stand in goal or take the puck. You could say that all roads led to this role.
– As I understand it, you played in Moscow throughout your career. How difficult was it for you to move to another city?
– Surprisingly, the move was easy. For this, I am grateful to the team that immediately accepted me and helped me adapt. By the way, I really like the city itself. Everything is within walking distance here.
– Last season was your first full season in the JHL. How would you rate the championship?
– Despite the statistics, I developed, I didn’t waste time. Nevertheless, the team goal should come first. We failed to achieve it, although we were close. I hope that in the upcoming championship we will be able to get into the play-in, and then, God willing, we will be able to make some noise.
– You scored your debut goal in the JHL against the Krasnoyarskie Rysi. Do you remember this goal?
– Of course! Then I was driving the defender towards David Romanov, he was able to take the puck away, thanks to which we went 2 on 1. David managed to pass to me, and I just had to hit the goal. I accomplished the task, and at the same time the weight was lifted from my shoulders. The guys were happy with this goal along with me.
– Last season, when it seemed like you had finally joined the team, you got injured. How was your recovery? Did the injury throw you off track?
– Yes, I got injured in the midst of the regular championship. Throughout my recovery, I was eager to get on the ice, but I understood that I needed to be 100% ready first. I worked a lot with the doctors. I am very grateful to them that the recovery went without any problems.
– You were called up to the YHL. Was it hard to adapt from one league to another?
– The guys from the YHL also accepted me right away, so there were no problems with adaptation. But the difference between the leagues is not that big: I think the MHL has more skilled players, but otherwise everything is about the same.
– Finally, what are your expectations for the upcoming season?
– Only the best expectations! We will give every opponent a fight. I can confidently say that there are no indifferent people on our team. We will fight to the end to get into the play–in.
