Raul Yakupov: «I hope I will use this experience in the next season»

Neftekhimik forward Raul Yakupov talks about his first KHL goal, comparison with Nail Yakupov and leadership.

– Raul, there is not so much time before the training camp starts. After playing for the National team was there any time for you to get a rest?

– After the end of the season, I try to stay in shape, trained with the first team on the ice and in the gym. There were some helpful workouts. That is why I was in shape. Now I will rest for 2 weeks and slowly prepare for the new season.

– Last season you scored 32 goals in 49 games and got a 4th place in the JHL with 61 points. How do you feel about that?

– Honestly, I did not follow my stats. Perhaps, that is why I had a good season! Unfortunately, we did not make it in Play-in.

– As you know, after some changes in the structure of the JHL, there are less games. Is there more time to prepare for games or there is not enough practice? What do you think about gold and silver divisions?

– Training is an integral part of hockey, but hockey is a game. You need to play more, not to train more. The new structure is certainly cool, there is an opportunity to prepare in a better way for each game, but the season ends too quickly and it is a pity. You just want to play more and more.

– Last season you made your KHL debut in the Playoffs. What did you feel before entering the ice in the first game?

– I felt fine. It is a pity that we did not manage to play in second round. Someone said that I was right under the train, you know, the Playoffs, Ak Bars, but I liked these circumstances – there is no need to get ready, you already ready. It seems to me that I spend a good time on the ice, took the chance and gained experience. I hope I will use this experience in the next season both in the regular season and in the Playoffs.

– In the fourth Playoffs you scored a game-changer. You scored your first KHL goal! Neftekhimik was trailing 2-0 and after that, our team scored 4 goals in a row.

– I did not play in the KHL long time, so, this is the coolest thing that happened! That was awesome!

– Was it hard for you to keep your head cool after scoring that kind of goal?

– In this kind of situation, you need to show that you are pro. The goal was not scored at the last minute and there was plenty of game time ahead. When you score, you want to score more!

– Where is your first KHL puck?

– I gave it to my father; this puck is definitely his merit.

– During the Playoffs, it looked like you are good in getting under the skin of an opponent, pissing them off, kind of Leo Komarov or Brad Marchand style.

– Yeah, I have always been impressed by these hockey players. You know, on the ice there is no difference about surnames on jerseys, does not matter star player or not. This is the same guy like me, maybe a little older. I always liked the Tkachuk brothers Matthew and Brady. I learned something from them. Ak Bars players began to pay more attention to me, Radulov, Voynov, Lyamkin, Yudin and Bilyalov shouted something, it means that I definitely coped with my task and I definitely managed to do what I wanted.

– Did you hear what Bilyalov shouted?

– Of course not, and it does not matter to me. I go out to play for myself, for my team, my city, I make a name for myself and I don't care what my opponents think of me. I will do my best.

– Are you the same in real life?

– No, I am completely different. You need to be able to separate off ice life and on ice life. After the end of the series, I had a great talk with Shipachyov, we shook hands, and thanked all the guys for the opportunity to watch the KHL stars play, to play against them, for the invaluable experience that I gained. I am one of those people who do not keep bad feelings for some hockey related things. You always should have a good head on your shoulder both on the ice and off the ice. You should not cross the line; you must think what you are saying.

– How would you rate your game for the Russian U-20 team at the Future Cup?

– Unfortunately, there is not A+ mark. At the same time, my team has two of the two possible trophies, so I think I did everything right.

– How do you like the 3-on-3 hockey?

– I am still a player of traditional 5-on-5 hockey! During 3-on-3 hockey there was plenty of fun, more goal-scoring chances, more 1-on-0 and 2-on-1 breakaways, you know, more interesting for the fans. It was a great experiment; add some experience to my piggy bank, perhaps, it was kind of preseason camp.

– How quickly did you find a common language on the ice with your teammates?

– I had good teammates, they are leaders in their teams, there were no problems, and we quickly found a common language.

– What places have you visited in Minsk?

– A couple of parks. Minsk is an interesting city, old, but at the same time kind of a right city. There are beautiful roads, clean streets, lots of greenery, polite and hospitable people.

– Did anything surprises you in Minsk?

– Gasoline prices! A liter costs about 70 rubles, which is also expensive for Belarus, so there are a lot of electric cars and hybrids in the city. I was surprised by the fact that in Minsk it is prohibited to install air conditioners on the facades of houses that can be seen from the central avenues - not to ruin the way the houses look.

– Did you try the Belarus cuisine?

– Unfortunately, I did not try. We got European cuisine food. So, in gastronomic terms, everything is ahead of me.

– What people in Minsk think about hockey? Do they like hockey?

– We got a great welcome. During the all games, there were fans that was cool.

– What has the biggest influence on in your achievements for today? Hockey talent, luck, hardworking, dedication, or maybe something else?

– Everything has the influence, but 90% is daily training. You can be a guy with a great talent, but at the same time lazy; the result in this case is nothing.

– A lot of people consider you a workaholic; they say that you training something 24/7.

– 24/7 is an exaggeration, but I really train a lot. I do everything I can to make my dream come true, I told to myself that I will play hockey all my life, I really like it and I don’t think that anyone can stop me.

– Besides hockey, do have any kind of plan B, just in case?

– Besides hockey? Well I do not know. Perhaps in this case, I would like to become a psychologist. I do not know why, I just like it, or a fashion designer.

– Sports psychologist is a promising field.

– When I was the captain in the Reaktor, it was easy to find a common language with the guys. Before the game, everyone has their own thoughts. I told the team: «Drop your thoughts, let's go out on the ice and have fun. If everyone plays 100% for all 60 minutes, we will get good result. Even if we fail to win, we will know that we did our best!». It all depends on the mood and thoughts in your head.

– For you, what is captaincy? Hard thing to do, recognition, or great feeling that you can have a good impact on the game by supporting the team?

– In the first place, responsibility for the boys, to the coach, to the fans, the management of the club. The captain is the bridge between coaches and players. You are first guy who is responsible for the result of the game. Therefore, captaincy is definitely not a bonus or encouragement, but work and a pleasant responsibility.

– Often, we see your dad on the stands of the arena. How important is the role of family and loved ones to you?

– They have a huge role, you cannot say otherwise. Without the support of my father, uncle (Rail Yakupov), brother Nail, it would have been much more difficult. Each of them contributed with advice, remarks, praise and reproaches, with their own example and motivation. I am grateful for them for who I am and where I am.

– Looking at Nail Yakupov do you understand that everything is possible in this life?

– Certainly! All the guys I play against are the same people, they have 2 arms and 2 legs. How are they different from those who sit on the bench? Maybe they are working harder? Practice makes perfect...

– Doesn't the comparison with Nail irritate you?

– I am used to it. Sometimes, of course, it gets boring. However, this is my payment for his advice.

– Do you think someday you will catch up and overtake your brother or this task is not worth it?

–Of course, this task is worth it! Even in a friendly way, you always want to compete. It only supports me. I will be happy about Nail's goals (but not against my team!), so he is happy about my goals. He congratulated me on my first goal against Ak Bars, and during the season, he often gives me advice and support!