Danis Nizamov: «Every game is unique in its own way»
16.01.2026
Reaktor defenseman Danis Nizamov talks about his hockey career.
– Danis, tell us how your hockey career began?– I started playing hockey at Volna Kazan when I was three years old. At six, I moved to Ak Bars, where I spent most of my time, until 2024.
– Why did you choose defenseman position?
– Actually, I started as a forward. But the team was short on defensemen. I was already a good skater back then, so the coach decided to move me to defense.
– During last season, you transferred to Neftekhimik–YHL…
– In the summer of 2024, I realized I needed to move to another team. I didn't consider Neftekhimik–YHL; I was afraid of the competition. So, I decided to try out for Olimpiya. However, as the season was closer to the New Year, I realized I should move to a city with an JHL team. I talked it over with my parents, weighed everything up, and Nizhnekamsk was the choice. I think it's for the best!
— How did it feel to make such a change at 16?
— When I transferred to Olimpiya, it was hard. After all, it was my first move to a new city. I probably needed a month to get used to the new reality. Then I got used to, so moving to Nizhnekamsk was not a problem.
— Last season, you were choosen to make shot during shootouts – not common situation for a defenseman.
— When I played for Ak Bars, the coach sometimes gave me a chance in the shootout. However, over time, that faded away... And then at Neftekhimik–YHL, during practices, I was doing pretty well in shootouts. Evgeny Eryomenko noticed this and started using me in shootouts. Overall, I'm grateful to Evgeny Eryomenko. His advice still helps me to this day!
– You started the preseason with Reaktor on a tryout contract. How and when did you find out you'd signed a full contract?
– It was in August, a couple of days before leaving for Tolgliatti for the preseason tournament. Two other players and I were informed that we were being signed to a full contract. I won't hide the fact that I was very happy about that news!
– You made your JHL debut in your very first game this season…
– To put it mildly, it wasn't a great game. We conceded a ridiculous goal right off the bat, and we didn't manage to win the game. While the debut itself is certainly a positive experience, the actual game itself isn't exactly a joy.
– Where are you studying now? What's it like combining hockey with your studies?
– I am studying at TISBI in Naberezhnye Chelny. I'm a part-time student, so I go there every six months to take my exams. This form of education helps me both study and play hockey without any problems.
– Do your parents follow your games?
– Of course! They're my most important fans. They watch every game and come to Nizhnekamsk whenever possible. And after the game, we always call each other and discuss both the positives and the negatives.
– What's the most memorable game of your career?
– It's hard to say; every game is unique in its own way. But I'd say the game against Ak Bars when I played for Neftekhimik-YHL. Not only did I play against my home team, but I also scored my first goal for the Nizhnekamsk team. The symbolism is off the charts!
– Which hockey player do you follow closely?
– I have several like that: Cale Makar, Adam Fox, and Kris Letang. They're offensive defensemen, and those are the types of players I enjoy watching.
– There's very little time left in the regular season. What does the team need to do to make it to the play-in?
– We have to fight in every game, go out on the ice like a close–knit team And, as cliché as it may sound, we have to keep up the good work, because points are worth their weight in gold right now.
