Kirill Nikitin: "I've dreamed of this moment my whole life."

Kirill Nikitin, a graduate of Barys Children's and Youth Sports School, made his debut for the main team today. Defenceman commented on the meeting with Neftekhimik and shared his emotions after the first match at a new level for him.

- It feels most wonderful. I've dreamed of this moment my whole life. Besides, the match turned out well for us. Good atmosphere in the team, everyone supports each other, so I didn't have any excitement. Now we need to play in the KHL championship and earn a spot in the lineup on a permanent basis.

- Even though you only played one match, you were training with the first team the whole time. Was it hard to readjust?

- There's a very big difference in speeds. And from the championship of Kazakhstan, and from the youth world championship. In general, there are a lot of experienced guys in the KHL, including in our team. It feels like a different level. I think this kind of training will be good for me.

- How do you explain your progress? During the season you went from "Snow Bars" to "Barys", played at the Universiade and, as you said, at the World Cup.

- Yes, despite the injury, I got good experience over the past year. I am trying to train hard, to improve my technique, speed and dribbling. I also play with different partners, I try to memorise new things and use them in games.

- Which of the partners can you mention in the first team?

- Probably Alex Grant. He's already an experienced defenceman, with a good shot, great on the blue line. And generally speaking, as a young player, I can learn from everyone. The most important thing now is to increase speed. If I move well, everything will come together.

General Partner of Barys HC – Samruk Kazyna SWF JSC

Partner of HC Barys - Fund for the Support of the Tourism and Sports Industry CF

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