Interview of Olympic hockey champion and CSKA hockey leader Nikita Nesterov to the russian sports portal «Russian sports»
Nikita, you played for NHL clubs and represented Russia. Can you tell us about your first impressions of the NHL and compare hockey there with the game in your homeland?
My first impressions of playing in the NHL were positive. Once on the ice, I felt a real adrenaline rush. It was a completely different world from what I was used to before coming to the NHL. Everything was new – from the completely different language and mentality of people, to the culture and style of communication. But the main thing remained the same: like everywhere else, you have to constantly prove that you are worthy of being at this level.
Playing for your country is always a pleasure, whether it’s a tournament or matches as part of your favorite team. In Russia, hockey is also elevated to the highest level, but the atmosphere here is completely different. We have more team unity, and hockey itself is steeped in tradition and culture. Every game is not just a sport, but a reflection of the spirit of the nation.
Our mentality is very different from the North American mentality, but the goal is the same everywhere – to show quality play. Whether you play in the NHL or the KHL, it is important what kind of player you are and how you develop your skills, which you need to constantly improve.
How are you doing in English? How did you communicate with the coach and in the team? What was the hardest thing to do abroad?
I learned the language on the fly. When we were all promoted from the KHL, there was no one to translate, and no one to ask. So I hired a tutor and gradually learned the language with his help, while practicing communicating with teammates and other people.
Now you are the captain of the CSKA team. Can you tell me, please, how is a team captain chosen and for how long? What are your responsibilities?
Being a captain is a big responsibility. As a captain you have to be an example for the whole team and lead it.
Why was I chosen as captain? Probably, it was due to a combination of factors: the level of play, experience. After Sergey Andronov’s departure the choice fell on me. But why me? I think this question will be better answered by the management or coaching staff.
What kind of jokes are there among hockey players? Have your teammates made jokes about you?
First of all, they joke about being friends with me (laughs). We have a few rules for young players – it can’t be called jokes, but rather traditions. For example, at training camp at Pasha Karnaukhov’s house we organize various contests for rookies. This is our internal, strictly team topic, which is not publicized anywhere. Such events help young hockey players to fit in and bond with the team.
And now a little bit about the pressing matters at hand. The season is in full swing… Who do you consider to be your most serious rivals?
To be honest, I wouldn’t single out anyone. There are often unexpected turns in hockey, so we try to focus on our results, analyze our mistakes and improve our game.
Who do you have your next game against? What are their strengths? Do you study the opponent’s tactics before the match?
We play against Spartak in the near future. As for their tactics, we have a coaching staff that thoroughly studies the opponents and gives us tasks and instructions. We stick to this plan and try to fulfill it on the ice.
How do you prepare for each game? Do you have an individual training plan?
I try to prepare both mentally and physically. Of course, no one canceled training on the ice and in the hall (on the parquet). No matter where I am, it’s important not to skip classes. The coaches make a specific plan for us, and we follow it.
What goes into the diet of champions? Are there any prohibitions, and what are your taste preferences?
As for prohibitions, it is probably sweets – although sometimes you can afford them. We try to stick to the right diet, but without strict restrictions. Sometimes you can afford something “harmful”, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Do you have a hockey dream? What is your dream in general?
My hockey dream is new victories and winning the Gagarin Cup. And in general I want peace in the world. I want people’s good dreams and wishes to come true.
Nikita Nesterov is a Russian ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman and captains the CSKA club. He previously played in the NHL. He is the 2018 Olympic champion, Honored Master of Sports of Russia, three-time winner of the Gagarin Cup (2019, 2022, 2023).
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