Neftekhimik Preseason Press Conference 2026/2027
02.09.2026
On September 2, a press conference was held at the Neftekhim Arena. It was attended by Neftekhimik Director General I.V. Larionov, Neftekhimik Sports Director Anton Marchinsky, Neftekhimik Head Coach I.V. Grishin and Reaktor Head Coach I.V. Misbakhov.
Neftekhimik General Director I.V. Larionov:
– The team enters the new season in high spirits and with well grounded optimism. First and foremost, I wish to commend the coaching staff led by Igor Vladimirovich Grishin for their successful work over the past campaign. The squad demonstrated character, clear progress, and a competitive fighting spirit – these are the very pillars upon which we are building our future.
During the off season, our primary objective was to retain the core group of players, and this task has been fully accomplished. Our transfer activity was targeted, prioritising quality over quantity in every acquisition. Taken together, these factors give us every reason to believe that Neftekhimik will enter the forthcoming season as a competitive and resilient unit.
Regarding our youth team: we have preserved the backbone of its coaching staff. We extend our gratitude to Igor Viktorovich Fyodorov for his tenure as head coach of the JHL team Reaktor. This off season, Ilnar Vakilovich Misbakhov has taken over as head coach; he previously served on Igor Viktorovich’s staff and is intimately familiar with the club’s internal systems. Additionally, Artur Maratovich Sarvarov – a product of our own development system, with experience in the Superleague and the Higher League, and more recently a coach at our hockey school – has joined the coaching team. This appointment is a prime illustration of the benefits of our internal development pathway: an individual progressing from player to youth team mentor. I am confident that Artur Maratovich will effectively pass on his experience to the young players.
Extensive preparatory work has been undertaken to ensure optimal conditions for both the professional and youth squads ahead of the season. All logistical aspects – equipment, gear, transportation, accommodation, and catering – have been comprehensively addressed. Our aim is to allow the players to concentrate exclusively on the game, free from any off ice distractions.
This year, we continued modernising our arenas, with particular emphasis on security systems. Two modern security checkpoints have been constructed and are now fully operational. Upgrades have also been made to communication systems and general infrastructure. New, high quality sound equipment has been installed within the bowl of the Neftekhim Arena.
Our fans constitute a priority in their own right. We have endeavoured to ensure that every visit to the Neftekhim Arena is comfortable. Logistics have been refined: additional complimentary bus routes have been arranged to transport spectators after matches. An agreement has also been signed with Yandex Taxi, with vehicles scheduled to pick up passengers directly from the arena parking lot.
Together with our general sponsor, PJSC Nizhnekamskneftekhim, and city services, we have prepared an extensive programme of themed matchdays featuring a wide range of activities. Hockey should be more than a mere contest – it should be an event that families are eager to attend together. In this regard, we receive unwavering support from Marat Inilovich Falyakhov, General Director of Nizhnekamskneftekhim, and Radmir Ildarovich Belyaev, Mayor of Nizhnekamsk. We are grateful for their understanding and tangible assistance.
Finally,and most importantly, none of the achievements outlined above would have been possible without the ongoing backing of our shareholder, SIBUR, and specifically PJSC Nizhnekamskneftekhim. On behalf of HC Neftekhimik and our supporters, I would like to express our profound gratitude to them. Without this support, we would not have the renovated arena, the competitive team, or the optimism with which we are approaching the new season.
Neftekhimik Sports Director Anton Marchinsky:
– At the conclusion of the previous season, the coaching staff and I formulated a clear plan for the transfer market. The contracts of key players had either been extended prior to the deadline or were still in effect, which allowed us to conduct our work in a focused manner. We knew that our primary focus would be on the domestic market with regard to trades and free agents. As for import slots, we also predominantly explored domestic options, given that the current climate for bringing in new foreign players is – to put it mildly – far from ideal. In line with our strategy, the objective was to make the team faster, more creative, and more dynamic in its style of play, while simultaneously adding technical skill. At the same time, we continue our search for a skilled sniper or a centre forward capable of creating scoring opportunities.
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin:
– The team convened on 1 August. The roster underwent no major overhaul – approximately five players were replaced. Our objective was to integrate faster, more creative individuals into the lineup, and I am confident that the new arrivals fully satisfy these criteria. As Anton Vladimirovich previously noted, we continue to seek a quality forward – a player with a natural instinct for goal scoring, capable of both creating chances and finishing them. Our offensive production last season was not entirely satisfactory; given the style of play we advocate, we ought to be scoring more goals. This demands players who possess an innate talent for finishing, not merely those who acquire it through training – this is a critical attribute.
We executed our entire pre season training programme on schedule. The coaching staff was thoroughly satisfied with the players’ commitment during the camp. The exhibition matches demonstrated that the squad displays greater confidence compared to the previous season. Although our point tally at the Blinov Tournament may not have been exceptional, the quality of our play was commendable.
Thus, we approach the new season with optimism, aspiring from the very outset to exhibit the type of hockey that captivated our supporters last year and delivered tangible results. The achievements of the previous campaign are not our ultimate measure; we are convinced that we are capable of greater accomplishments, and we are diligently working to ensure a markedly improved outcome this season.
Reaktor Head Coach Ilnar Misbakhov:
– On 30 June, we relocated to the first team’s training base, Almash. We are grateful for the excellent conditions provided, and I extend my thanks to Igor Viktorovich Larionov for facilitating this arrangement. All amenities – meals and accommodation – are of the highest standard.
On 1 and 2 July, the squad underwent comprehensive medical examinations and fitness assessments; all players reported in good physical condition. We subsequently spent two weeks engaged in off ice training, before taking to the ice on 16 July to continue our preparations.
A total of 38 hockey players attended our training camp, ten of whom were graduates of our own youth academy. Following the camp, three of them – Klim Ivanov, Ivan Shimf, and Timofeyi Antonov – were offered contracts. Additionally, two players born in 2010, Alexander Sukhanov and Semyon Volobuev, were added to the roster. Among recruits from other cities, we signed Roman Soroka, Vsevolod Kuznetsov, Roman Zubko, Ilya Volgin, and Nikita Mansvetov.
During the training camp period, we contested nine matches, four of which were friendly fixtures. We also travelled to Kazan for the TNA Cup, where we played five games. This provided a valuable opportunity to test ourselves against strong opposition, and we were pleased with our showing. The tournament allowed us to assess the capabilities of our players. Of the nine matches, we secured six victories and suffered three defeats. We believe we will be fully prepared for the start of the championship on 10 September.
– The selection of the captain came as a surprise to many. How prepared is Andrei Belozyorov for this role?
– Igor Grishin:
The previous captain, Alexander Dergachyov, departed the club, so ahead of this season we decided to seek the input of the team. Andrei’s appointment as captain was the result of a team vote, and our coaching staff fully endorses that decision. Over the two weeks since the announcement, I have observed his conduct in this capacity. I must say, he appears very solid – exceptionally so. I appreciate how he carries himself in the role, interacts with his teammates, and supports the coaching staff. I therefore see nothing unexpected in this choice. Andrei is a leader on the ice and in the dressing room. He commands significant respect among the players, and that respect is well earned.
– You mentioned significant investment from SIBUR. Could you elaborate on the overall stability of the club’s funding?
– I.V. Larionov:
The situation is entirely stable. We operate within an approved budget framework. Moreover, development plans for the next three years have been formulated and will be unveiled gradually; they will become visible as they are implemented. The measures I have already outlined – arena refurbishments, the new sound system, modernisation of the press centre, and numerous other upgrades – are all components of the programme being executed by SIBUR. It is particularly important to note that this support extends to our youth sports school as well.
This summer, we acquired a laser timing system for fitness assessment. For the past three years, since Sergey Nikolayevich Levashov joined our staff, we have been systematically monitoring the progress of our young players through fitness testing conducted before, during, and after the season. Previously, the tools we employed for measuring metrics such as lap times and shot power were, to be frank, not fully up to contemporary standards. Last year, we procured the necessary equipment to ensure accurate, modern standard recording. This significantly enhances our player development process.
– How unexpected was the withdrawal of HC Chelny from the VHL championship?
– I.V. Larionov:
The decision came as a surprise even to us. We learned of it through media reports, and only later did the club president contact me to explain the rationale. The reasons are understandable and justified given the current circumstances – that is not a matter of dispute. However, we had well defined plans for collaboration with Chelny, which would have benefited both our players and the Chelny organisation. Since events unfolded differently, we immediately initiated negotiations with clubs that did not have a KHL affiliate partnership. Six clubs responded. Over the course of several days, we conducted a thorough analysis, holding direct discussions with management, sporting directors, and coaching staffs regarding the prospective roles of our players within their systems. The most favourable proposal came from HC Ryazan VDV. Preseason training and exhibition matches have demonstrated that the team’s standard is very high, and our players have integrated seamlessly. They have not appeared out of place; on the contrary, some have even emerged as leaders. This is highly encouraging. We certainly hope that the situation at Chelny may evolve in the future, allowing us to revisit the possibility of a partnership. That, however, is a matter for the future – we do not engage in speculation and instead concentrate on the work at hand.
– How strong is the competitive aspect within the Ryazan team? Is the competition for roster spots good?
– A.V. Marchinsky: The competition is robust. Our players performed commendably in preseason fixtures and were afforded opportunities: Kirill Stolyarov (born 2007), Kondrat Reshetnikov, and Nikolai Krivolapov all received ice time. Krivolapov has now secured a regular spot; he scored in every preseason match. Poyarkov is also part of the Ryazan roster. The players are gaining valuable experience, and we maintain constant communication with both them and the coaching staff. The coaches have expressed satisfaction with the players’ attitude in training and their contributions in games. Ryazan departs for Khanty Mansiysk today. Matvey Botov and Amir Gizyatov will join the team in Moscow. The championship season commences on 4 September with a match against Yugra. Competition is naturally present – but it is through competition that players grow. The players are receiving ice time and opportunities, as per our initial agreement. We provided a pool of players, and Ryazan responded promptly, outlining where they envisioned each candidate fitting in and their likelihood of making the lineup. It was essential for us to select a partner that would offer our players a genuine chance to prove themselves. Now the responsibility lies with them. Their preseason performances have been highly encouraging.
– Igor Viktorovich mentioned that the best offer came from Ryazan. Could you provide additional details on what set that offer apart?
– A.V. Marchinsky:
The primary factor was the opportunity to integrate our players into their system. Additionally, the accommodation and meal arrangements are excellent. Igor Vladimirovich has worked there previously and is familiar with the club’s management.
– I.V. Grishin: The facilities are of a high standard, hockey is deeply valued there, and the arena is consistently full – an important factor in itself. When our young players perform in front of a supportive crowd, it serves as a significant motivational boost. Partnering with Ryazan VDV is a favourable option. The only drawback, naturally, is that the arrangement with Chelny did not materialize, as the logistics for moving players on two way contracts are now more complex. The original plan was for players on two way deals to be able to miss the game day roster, travel to Chelny – just half an hour away – and gain valuable game time with the VHL team while simultaneously assisting our partner. That will not be feasible under the current scenario, of course.
