Artyom Berezin: «We have a young team hungry for victory»
29.12.2025
Reaktor forward Artyom Berezin is playing his second season in the JHL. Artem is seizing every opportunity, and recently scored his first point in the league.
– Artyom, how old were you when you started playing hockey?– When I was two and a half years old, we moved from Udmurtia to Nizhnekamsk. At that time, my older brother, Nikita, was playing at the Neftekhimik Hockey Sports School. He introduced me to the sport when I was five years old. I fell in love with hockey at my very first practice!
– What can you say about your coaches at the Hockey School.
– First, Rafis Khasipovich Minulin coached us, and then Roman Ildusovich Vafin took over as head coach. In my senior year, Sergei Rasikhovich Kasymov coached our team. I want to say a huge thank you to every coach, because they have made a special contribution to my development!
– You play at center. What do you think is the key stat for a center?
– I think a lot depends on the center, both offensively and defensively. You have to help the defensemen with breakouts. You also need to be able to play faceoffs effectively.
– Do you remember your first game for Reaktor?
– We played against Ladya at home. The emotions were only positive. Yes, I was a little nervous at the beginning of the game, but as soon as I stepped on the ice, all my worries disappeared. You could say my thoughts were focused solely on the game. Back then, I was playing with Ilyas Sirazetdinov, and each time we added a player. In that very first game, I realized how fast the older players were and what I should strive for. It's a pleasure to remember that debut!
– Where are you studying now? Is it hard to combine hockey with school?
– School No. 29, in 11th grade. It's difficult to combine school with hockey, especially with the Unified State Exam coming up. Regardless of my career, studying is important these days. I want to thank my teachers, because they're always accommodating and understanding. A special thank you to my parents, because they support me in everything.
– How are you planning to celebrate New Year's?
– We always celebrate New Year's with family – it's a good tradition. This year, we will fly to visit my older brother in St. Petersburg.
– Do you think you've fully adjusted to the team?
– I think so. The guys on the team have welcomed me well from the beginning. We spend a lot of time together not only on the ice but also off the ice, so there's a sense of support and mutual assistance. Overall, we have a great atmosphere. For example, when someone scores their first point or their first goal in the JHL, everyone cheers for them. We have a close–knit and friendly team!
– This season, you decided to wear number 93. Why?
– Actually, I wore numbers 97 and 88 at the Hockey School, but they were taken here. So I decided to wear 93, even though I don't have any particular attachment to that number.
– What is the most emotional moment in your career?
– I remember two moments at once. The first was my debut in the JHL, which I already mentioned. The second was winning the children's tournament, where we beat Salavat Yulaev in the final! That final game left behind bright and pleasant memories.
– Who's your favorite player?
– I have always looked up to Pavel Datsyuk with great respect. His skill, intelligence on the ice, and play on both ends of the ice – that's a level you should strive for, especially as a center.
– This season, you're playing in both the YHL and the JHL. Is it hard to immediately transition from one league to another?
– Everything happens quickly in the JHL. The opponents are physically stronger, and decisions have to be made in a split second. The first shift in the youth league after a game in the YHL is always different, because you have to immediately switch over both mentally and physically.
– What can help Reaktor to reach the play–in?
– We have a young team that is hungry for victories. We play disciplined defense and take advantage of our offensive opportunities well. We are very united and ready to fight in every game.
