Roman Soroka: «My immediate goal is to have a productive first season in the JHL»
31.08.2026
Reaktor forward Roman Soroka talks about his summer, preseason and plans for the future.
– Roman, could you elaborate on your off‑season preparations ?– I spent the summer in my hometown of Yeysk, Krasnodar Region, where I concentrated heavily on physical conditioning and shooting drills, allocating substantial time to on‑ice sessions. I also took a brief vacation in Dubai, after which I resumed training and participated in a camp in Yeysk. Right after that, I came to Nizhnekamsk.
– How would you assess the preseason overall, and what are your reflections on the tournament in Kazan and your individual performance there?
– The preseason proceeded according to plan. We commenced with an extensive block of physical training, establishing a solid foundation for the upcoming campaign, and underwent a demanding training camp. Once we transitioned to the ice, the workload moderated, and we played several friendly encounters, gradually integrating into the competitive rhythm. The Kazan tournament followed, and overall, our showing was commendable, though we fell short of our full potential in certain segments. We suffered defeats to strong opponents, yet we extracted valuable lessons from those matches. On a personal level, I consider the tournament a success; I was able to contribute significantly in terms of points and provide meaningful assistance to the team.
– Could you describe how you first became involved in hockey and what influenced your decision to play as a forward?
– My entry into hockey was not om purpose. My mother took me to an ice rink for recreational skating, and upon spotting a stick and puck in the stands, I expressed a desire to try the sport. She subsequently accompanied me to practice, and that marked the beginning of my journey. Upon joining the team, the coach immediately appointed me captain. I consistently outscored my teammates, which naturally led to my positioning as a forward.
– Did you engage in any other sports during your childhood?
– As a child, my mother enrolled me in swimming classes to enhance my lung capacity and overall endurance. The coach emphasized that swimming improves stamina, activity, and flexibility, which in turn contributes to height growth. As a result, I developed strong swimming skills.
– Were there any challenging periods during which you contemplated leaving the sport, and who has been your primary source of support along the way?
– My parents have been my support team; I talk to them daily, and their encouragement is invaluable. There were indeed difficult moments – at one point, due to personal hardships, I considered quitting hockey. However, my father helped me to change my mind, enabling me to persevere and attain the level of success I enjoy today.
– What are your interests outside of hockey? Do you have a preferred location in Nizhnekamsk, and how do you typically spend your leisure time?
– Beyond hockey, I enjoy playing computer games. I frequently take walks around the city with friends and have explored nearly all its areas. Nizhnekamsk boasts numerous scenic spots; for instance, I visited Sabantuy Park yesterday, where a disco was held. I have toured all the parks, and I find the city quite picturesque and appealing.
– What music do you prefer to help you prepare mentally for games?
– I am particularly drawn to English‑language music for pre‑game preparation; it resonates well with me and effectively sets the right tone. Russian tracks do not provide the same level of motivation. One of my favoured tracks is "Freaked Out" by Fat Papi.
– What is your post‑match routine following a strenuous game, and how do you manage emotional strain?
– I may take a cold bath or use a foam roller to aid muscle recovery, and I also enjoy simply lying down and watching films. I handle emotional stress quite well, often listening to music for extended periods. I focus on recovery and mental reset, especially when a subsequent game is scheduled. On days without game, I typically go for a walk with friends and attempt to put the game behind me.
– Which films and television series are your favourites?
– Among films, I highly appreciate The Wolf of Wall Street. In terms of series, I enjoy Molodezhka. As a child, I was fond of Ice Kings and Legend No. 17.
– Where are you currently pursuing your education?
– I have recently completed the 11th grade, performing well in my Unified State Examinations and all academic tests. I have been admitted to the Moscow State Central Institute of Physical Culture and Sport on a state‑funded scholarship, with the aim of becoming a coach.
– What are your primary objectives for the coming seasons?
– My immediate goal is to have a productive first season in the JHL, accumulating a substantial number of points. In subsequent seasons, I aspire to earn a promotion to the KHL and secure a roster spot with the main team.
– What emotions did you experience upon signing your contract, and whom did you inform first?
– The experience was entirely positive; I had long awaited that moment. I was not overly anxious, but the news was undoubtedly exhilarating. I immediately shared it with my parents and all my close relatives, who were delighted and offered their congratulations. I felt immense satisfaction.
– Did the contract signing occur during the tournament, and did it provide any additional motivation for your on‑ice performance?
– The contract was finalised the day before our first tournament game. It did not, however, impart any extra motivation, as such external factors should not influence performance. Every hockey player must understand that they are expected to give their full effort in every match, regardless of contractual status.
– Are you the only athlete in your family?
– I have three brothers. One, born in 2015, also plays hockey; he previously played alongside me in Podolsk with the Vityaz organisation and now competes in our hometown. The other two are three‑year‑old twins and are still too young for sport. My father trained and achieved multiple victories in international powerlifting competitions, and I aspire to emulate his strength. My mother is currently engaged in fitness activities to maintain her physical condition.
– Who serves as your greatest inspiration in life?
– My father is my foremost source of inspiration; I have always looked up to him as a crucial figure in my life. I am also profoundly grateful to my mother, who drove me to all my practices. Without her dedication, I would never have become a hockey player. When I was five or six years old, she would take me by bus, carrying my equipment, three times a day, all on her own, while my father was working to provide financial support. From around age ten, my father contributed both emotionally and financially. Furthermore, I am indebted to my godmother, with whom I lived in Moscow and later in Podolsk; she cared for me, provided for me, and devoted four years entirely to my development, attending every match. I am deeply thankful to all of them.
