Rafael Bikmullin: «We are doing what we love and enjoying it»
11.09.2026
Neftekhimik forward Rafael Bikmullin speaks with the media after a following 3–1 win over Avtomobilist.
– Congratulations on the win, Rafael! Tonight’s game was very different from the previous two. It was a real battle out there...– Yes, emotions were running high tonight. Avtomobilist is a very solid, skilled team. We savored every moment and played the kind of hockey that is expected of us; we are doing what we love and enjoying it.
– Tonight, it felt like the Rafael Bikmullin of old was back – reminiscent of the season when Reaktor won silver in the JHL, back in 2016–2017, I believe.
– You know, when you are treated well, you give everything to the game. I was away from the team for two years and had not seen anything like this: the fans were driving us forward like crazy – it was mesmerizing. It made me want to leave it all out there and put on a show for them.
– It is safe to say you are a fan of Igor Grishin’s style of play...
– Yes, one hundred percent. You play without anyone yelling at you. You do what you are good at and use the skills you have.
– Tonight, the ceremonial puck drop was done by your PE teacher from the famous School No. 10, Olga Viktorovna Polyachikhina...
– I wanted to wave to her, but she had her back turned to us. I think I will drop by the school to visit her sometime; we will definitely have tea together.
– Did she ever give you any great advice about sports or say anything specific to you back then?
– For one thing, she molded me into an athlete; for another, I am very grateful to her for the discipline she instilled in me.
