Nikita Popugayev: «I would say it is a lucky number»
18.06.2025
Forward Nikita Popugaev has joined our team.
– Nikita, how unexpected was the invitation to Neftekhimik for you?– I will not say that I was very surprised, since I had previously talked to Igor Vladimirovich Grishin. Of course, I was happy with getting the invitation. After all, it was a chance to test my strength at a higher level. At the same time, I understood that there was still a lot of work to do. Thank God, the transfer was succesful, and I am in the Pack.
– You are a student of Spartak Moscow Shool, but you played in the CSKA system at the adult level. How did that happen?
– Indeed, I took my first steps in hockey in Spartak, after which I ended up in Dynamo Moscow. After that, I was already more conscious, I ended up in the CSKA system. In general, it was entirely the parents' initiative.
– After moving to Rubin, your performance improved. What is the reason?
– I think it was the coach. In Tyumen, I was given the opportunity to believe in myself, to show my best qualities as a player. You could say that I was not limited in my actions, I was given complete freedom in attack. I took advantage of this.
– Do you know any of the Neftekhimik players?
– To be honest, I do not know anyone personally. The process of getting to know each other is ahead.
– Previously, your namesake, another Nikita Popugayev, who is now in Lada, played for the Pack. Are you related by any chance?
– No, no, just namesakes. He is Andreevich, and I am Olegovich. Nevertheless, we played on the same team as children – first in Dynamo, and then in CSKA. Sometimes we played in the same line. By the way, we also played together in the Krasnaya Armiya.
– You have been playing under number 13 for a long time. Can you explain why you chose this number?
– For me, I would say it is a lucky number. For example, I was born on June 13, I was number 13 in the school list, and I have always lived on the 13th floor. The list can go on…
– Your avatar is a photo of a parrot on a mirror. It is immediately obvious that you have a great sense of humor…
– The photo emphasizes my last name, which I like. The last name is memorable and stands out. And I liked the photo, so I decided to post it.
– What would you wish for the fans of the Pack?
– Last season, I was actively following the KHL. Accordingly, I was also keeping an eye on Neftekhimik, which was just two points short of the playoffs zone. I hope that in the next season the team will solve this problem with honor and will please the fans with its game. I am ready to make my contribution. I wish the fans health and patience. See you soon!
