Artyom Serikov: «I prefer to spend this time with my family»
15.05.2023
Artyom Serikov talks about his first KHL goal, career and his expectations from upcoming season.
– Artyom, why did you choose hockey?– My parents really liked hockey. They often watched hockey on TV, and sometimes visited some hockey games. My mom and dad made a decision that their son will be a hockey player. I like soccer as well as hockey. If I were not a hockey player, I would be a soccer player. I am very grateful to my parents.
– You know that not all of the hockey players become professionals. When did you realize that you are going to make hockey a part of your life?
– At first, I did not quite understand why I was playing hockey at that time. When you are a kid, you do not focus on this kind of stuff. At the age of 15-16 it was clear for me that I wanted hockey to be a part of my life. My hockey skills improved. Therefore, I was sure that I could achieve more success.
– Did you have a hard path for your career?
– I will not say that the beginning of my career was an easy one. I started at the Dmitrov hockey school. Then I moved to the Belye Medvedi School. There I spent four years. Then I returned to Dmitrov for a year, and then back to the Belye Medvedi. My first JHL team was Kapitan Stupino. After the season in Stupino, I moved to Krylya Sovetov. Then I was part of the O.R.G. team, and from there I moved to Spartak. That is how I made my KHL debut.
– Do you remember what kind of feelings did you have during your KHL debut?
– We played against Lokomotiv in Yaroslavl. I was so excited. Moreover, before that I had played at the KHL level during exhibition games. In compare with official game, there is a difference.
– What about your first KHL goal? Did you keep a puck?
– Of course I did! I took a picture with it and brought it to my parents. They were very happy. The same thing with other pucks - the first JHL goal, the first VHL goal and the first from AHL goal. I keep these pucks at home, on a special shelf.
– On what kind of things did you spend your first salary?
– Actually, I am not the kind of person who spends money on expensive things. I prefer to do money saving. You know, kind of save ups for later life.
– It is not the first time for you with a wolf image on your jersey. You played 42 games last season with the Chicago Wolves. What kind of experience did you get?
– Yes, I spent the 2021-2022 season in the AHL. Played for the Chicago Wolves. The people who live there surprised me. They are always ready to help and will not leave you in trouble. Probably, this happens in Russia too, but in America it happened more often than in our country, so I was very surprised. The fans there surprised me too. We have fans of the club, but there they just come to watch hockey and spend time with their families.
– What was your reaction to the trade to Neftekhimik? What do you know about our team?
– It was good. Of course, it was unexpected for me. After that, it was clear for me that they want to see me in the team. I will try to prove that it was not in vain that they chose me.
What do I know about Neftekhimik? Like you said about my AHL team, they are wolves (laughs). I like it. Therefore, I will be happy to play for Neftekhimik and win together with the team. I will be focused on team tasks. I would like to make playoffs and fight for the trophy. After all, we hockey players are people who love to win. Last season with Khimik I became the VHL champion and I really enjoyed winning.
– Describe in a few words who are you as a hockey player.
– I do not want to praise my own qualities. I will describe myself as defensive D-man with some offensive skills who has a decent wrist shot and hopefully a strong slap shot.
– How do you spend your free time between games and practices?
– I prefer to spend this time with my family or just watch some movie or have a dinner somewhere.
– What would you like to say to our fans?
– We, the players, as well as you, the fans, are looking forward to the start of the new season. We will really need the support of the Neftekhim Arena stands, because you are our seventh player on the ice. We are waiting for you at the games. Come and cheer for the «wolves»!
