The Kyiv Capitals forward talked about how he spent the off-season, the start of the training camp, and shared the importance of his previous experience in Optibet League matches.
Mykhailo, tell us about the start of the training camp. Have you missed hockey already?
Today is the fourth day since the team started preparing for the season. We are working in a two-practices-a-day format under quite a heavy workload. However, I like it. Regarding the second part of the question, of course, I missed all the hockey processes, as the season ended in April. I am very glad to see my teammates and have the opportunity not only to train together but also to communicate with them.
How did you spend the spring-summer break?
After the season ended, I went to Katowice. This is the city where I live during the off-season. At first, I dealt with various household matters, and then for two months I managed to work as a courier, combining it with gym workouts. Then I focused on speed and strength training, getting myself into proper shape before the start of the camp. I also had on-ice practices. For vacation, I managed to fly to Greece with friends.
This is your first training camp with the team, considering you joined in the middle of last season. How interesting is it to work with your partners in this format?
Yes, this is my first training camp with Kyiv Capitals. It’s a slightly different format of interacting with partners and coaches. There is an opportunity to discover interesting things and learn from more experienced hockey players. This stage will definitely be beneficial.
Who did you manage to become closest friends with during your previous period in the team?
Currently, I live with Danylo Tsarkovskyi. We get along very well. I also knew Ivan Shamardin, as he is also a Kharkiv native. We played together for many years. I am also on friendly terms with Denys Honcharenko. I should specifically mention Vitalii Andreikiv. He also lives in Katowice, and we prepared for the training camp together.
Who do you communicate with the most among the newcomers?
I would probably note Illia Korenchuk and Feliks Morozov. We sit at the same table during team meals and always have interesting conversations.
You have already gained three months of experience in the Optibet League. In your opinion, how important is this before the upcoming season?
It is very important. I have an understanding of the game tactics of other teams. I also got better acquainted with the capabilities of the opponents. However, we’ll see how much the rosters of the new season’s participants will change.
The team was joined by a lot of players from last year’s playoff semi-finalists. How unusual is it to see them in the Kyiv Capitals uniform?
It is normal in sports for certain players to leave the team and be replaced by newcomers. It is quite possible that they liked the ambitions of Kyiv Capitals, and how everything is developing and moving forward. I believe that very strong hockey players have joined the team’s roster. It is interesting for me to work side by side with them. I hope we will quickly find common ground with the newcomers and achieve our goals.
In your opinion, how can last year’s result be improved?
First of all, the experience of playing in the Optibet League was important for the team. We are more familiar with the opponents and have already played many matches against them. I think the coaching staff can better answer this question. At the training camp stage, players must follow all instructions and give their maximum effort. I am convinced that we will have time to build chemistry and everything will be fine!
