Alexander Istomin: "The main concern is to help children adapt to adult hockey"

Head coach of the Snow Leopards Alexander Istomin summed up the results of pre-season training.

- Alexander Anatolyevich, please, sum up the results of pre-season training. Have you managed to complete all the planned tasks?

- It is clear that the pre-season was shortened, but this applies not only to us, but also to everyone else. We tried to complete everything we planned for this short period. First of all, we tried to restore the children's normal physical state. The long pause greatly affected their fitness shape. Therefore, the main task is to prepare them to the loads that lie ahead.

- Tell us, please, about the test matches.

- It is difficult to draw any conclusions yet. Many boys played against older opponents for the first time. Of course, there were positive moments, and there are also shortcomings. This is what we are working for, and we are bringing the boys to adult hockey. I will say that we are optimistic about our future.

- The team is even more rejuvenated.

- Yes, now a whole group of boys born in 2002 joined the team. There are also players born in 2003. There are a lot of new faces, every hockey player will have a chance. The boys will only need to prove with their attitude to training, their aspiration and their play that they are ready.

- How hard will it be for a young team to play against more experienced and physically stronger teams?

- It is clear that our team does not have such physical strength yet. Many are now in their youth. But in the near future, they will become stronger and will be able to provide serious resistance to any opponent. It's only a matter of time.

- What tasks will the team face in the upcoming season?

The main concern is to help children adapt to adult hockey. Help them make this difficult transition from kid'd and youth hockey. We need to do everything to make them feel confident in their abilities, understand that they can play on equal terms, fight and win against senior teams. I am sure that the team will provide a decent resistance to the opponents in Kazakhstan Championship. Moreover, I have already told the boys that their time is coming, it's time to take on more responsibility, show their leadership qualities. Here, of course, a lot will depend on the character and desire of the children to grow and develop.

General partner of Barys HC - Samruk Kazyna SWF JSC

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