Mikhail Andreyev: «I rely on my linemates»

Reaktor forward Mikhail Andreyev talks about JHL and Nizhnekamsk city.

– You came up through the Moscow hockey system and played for clubs in the capital. How did you end up in Nizhnekamsk? Was it your choice, or did circumstances led to that?

– It was just how things turned out. I went for a tryout with Atlant, but they told me they were actually recruiting for an older age group. I called my agent, took a three-day break, and then on Wednesday he called to say I had practice in Nizhnekamsk the next day.

 

– Do you remember your first day with Reaktor? What were your initial impressions of the team, the city, and the atmosphere?

– Yes, that first day was really interesting. Reaktor was training at the old rink back then because the locker room was being renovated. I was surprised that an JHL team had facilities like that. Later, I was told that wasn't even the main locker room. We also went outside for warm-ups, which was surprising too. But I liked everything. I liked the team, the coaching staff, and the support staff. I’m very grateful for the warm welcome they gave me.

 

– Three seasons is a significant amount of time. How have you changed as a player during that period? How has Reaktor shaped you?

– Reaktor probably taught me to play a more mature game; that’s down to the coaching staff. I want to thank Igor Viktorovich, Ilnar Vakilovich, and the entire coaching staff. I simply started playing with more maturity and paying more attention to the defensive side of the game—though they don't tie our hands; they still let us improvise.

 

– Moscow has one hockey culture, and Nizhnekamsk has another. What differences did you notice, both on and off the ice?

– Honestly, I didn't really feel much of a difference between Moscow hockey and Nizhnekamsk hockey. – The guys on our team are locals; they’re solid players performing at a top level—just like in Moscow. Even though the Moscow league is generally stronger than the Volga region league, only the best academies make it into the JHL.

 

– When the voting results were announced and you found out you’d been named captain, what was your first thought? Were you surprised, or did you expect it?

– I wasn’t all that surprised when I was chosen, though there was still some suspense. I figured it would be either Gataullin or me. Gatuz [Gataullin] would have made a great captain too—he showed that during the preseason—but the guys decided it should be me.

 

– What does the "C" on your jersey mean to you? Is it a burden of responsibility, or is it something you really enjoy?

– For me, it’s a bit of a burden. I still have to go out there and give it my all, while also supporting and firing up the guys. But I’d do that even without the "C" on my chest, so nothing has really changed. At the same time, though, it’s nice knowing the guys trust me.

 

– How do you lead the team? Are you the kind of captain who speaks up, or the kind who leads by example on the ice?

– I try to do both. It doesn’t always work out perfectly, but that’s what we’re striving for.

 

– Have you had to resolve any internal conflicts or pick the guys up after a tough loss yet?

– As for conflicts—whatever happens stays in the locker room. After a loss, we talk it over and try to leave the locker room without hanging our heads, but without getting arrogant either, since we did lose the game.

 

– What goals have you set for yourself this season—both for the team and personally? 

– Our team goal for this season is to make the play-in round, then the playoffs, and see where we go from there. As for my personal goal—I’ll keep that to myself; I’m not going to talk about it.

 

– You’re a forward—what’s your signature strength? What do you focus on: speed, winning battles, power-play situations?

– I rely on my linemates—David Romanov and Ilyas Sirazetdinov. We have a good line; things are clicking for us. I hope it stays that way. And then there are the defensemen, too – Danil Gataullin and Ivan Birdychkin. It’s great playing with them. Basically, I really like our whole five-man unit.

 

– How do you rate the start of the season?

– I don’t view the start of the season very positively. The most important things are the team’s results, the points, and our standing in the table. And right now, we’re struggling. As for my own game—it’s hard for me to be objective; that’s really a question for the coaching staff. I analyze the games, work on correcting my mistakes, and... I want to achieve more.

 

– Nizhnekamsk is a small city. What’s it like living here, away from Moscow and your family? Do you feel settled in, or do you still miss home?

– When I fly out for preseason camp in the summer, there are moments when I miss my family. But then I see the guys, and everything’s fine. We spend most of our time at the arena; we only go home to sleep. It’s fun here. We’ve got a great vibe in the locker room.

 

– Do your parents come to the games? How did they react to you becoming captain?

– Yeah, they do—when we play in Moscow. Back when we played in Novomoskovsk, they used to come visit too. During my first season with Reaktor, they even came all the way to Nizhnekamsk. But I’m not exactly young anymore—not young enough for them to be constantly supporting me and traveling to Nizhnekamsk. How did they react? Well, Dad wasn’t surprised; he said he knew I’d become captain, that I was ready for it. Mom just congratulated me. She said, "Go for it—keep moving forward."

– What do you do off the ice? How do you relax? What helps you switch off?

– When we have days off, I try to visit the local thermal baths. It’s a cool spot here. I’ve been to a few thermal centers in Moscow, but it’s just not the same. The ones in Nizhnekamsk are better, which is great. I go for a steam, maybe get a massage afterwards. It really helps clear my head. I can just sleep and catch up on rest.

 

– Do you think about the KHL? Do you have a specific goal?

– I do, of course. I want to make it there, to break through, but it all depends on me—on how I play. And on the team’s performance, too, I think. Winning is key to getting there.

 

– Is there a hockey player—past or present—you look up to or take as a role model?

– There is: Sergei Konkov. He used to play for Neftekhimik. I look up to him not just as a hockey player, but as a person. We’ve been working together for a long time, analyzing games. I’m grateful to him; he’s very supportive. He’s someone I look up to in life, not just in sports.

 

– What would you like Reaktor fans to say about you—not right now, but five years down the line?

– I wouldn't want them to say things like, "Mikhail Andreev led us to the playoffs" or "He won the cup for us." I can't say that about myself. I’d probably just want them to say: "That guy played for us. Now he’s playing at a completely different level. And he’s part of the team, part of the city."

 

– What would you say to the fans?

– Last season, Reaktor got a fan support group. I am personally grateful to them. And on behalf of the team, I say: "Thank you for coming to our games and for your support. Keep growing and expanding. And thank you once again!"