Timur Khafizov: "Stay physically active during self-quarantine"
09.04.2020
- I have been playing hockey since I was five. The first coaches were Andrei Zharenkov and Oleg Yashin.
- Who told you about hockey?
- My father. It is interesting that I chose hockey because my mother played basketball and my father played volleyball.
- Why did you choose hockey?
- To be honest, I don’t remember. Probably my parents suggested me hockey and I agreed.
- Do you remember your first emotions when you made first “steps” on skates?
- The first emotions from the first steps on the ice - it seemed that it would be easier! (laughs) Many of the guys were skating well.
- From what age do you think it is better to begin play hockey?
- It depends on a person. For example, Misha Sergachev. He was one of the last who came to our team of the 98th year. Now everyone sees where he plays and what successes he has already achieved.
- Who supports you at home games of «Neftekhimik»?
- At home games my parents and my girlfriend support me. They live in Kazan and try to come to all the games in Nizhnekamsk. By the way, at the games in Kazan, I also have a lot of personal fans.
- What do you like to do during your free time?
- I like to prepare for the next practices or games. Also, I like to play on the PlayStation, to watch TV shows or movies and videos on YouTube.
- Could you rate this season?
- It was my first KHL season. In my opinion, there was not enough stability. I had good and bad games. I am very glad that I have proved to myself that I can play in the KHL. Sure, I am grateful to the coaching staff for the opportunity to play.
- Timur, in Samara the fans were happy when you or some other player of «Neftekhimik» were sent to «CSK VVS». It was made in order to help to «CSK VVS» in the VHL. What can you say about level of VHL?
- A young hockey player needs to get game experience and ice time.
There I was on the ice during power play and penalty killing. Anyway, it was necessary to play there.
- Did you like to work with Alexander Sokolov?
- I would like to say thanks to Alexander Sokolov for the opportunities and experience he gave me. We worked together in «Reaktor». He is a good coach.
Thank you, fans, from Samara for your support!
- In your opinion, is it necessary not to pay any attention on young players’ mistakes?
- I think that it is necessary to pay attention on any mistakes of young players. If you made one good decision – your team won; if you made one bad decision – your team lost.
- What should be done in order to help players realize their full potential?
- I do not know. Coaches and hockey experts will tell you more.
- Do you remember the most interesting game of this season?
- All games in the KHL are interesting games. It is not easy to win. On February 23, we got a win over «Amur» 0:8 and it was hard to play against them.
- Could give some names of defensemen who are good in defense?
- I liked the way Darren Ditz «Barys» and Philip Larsen «Salavat Yulaev» play.
- Who is the hardest goaltender to score?
- It will be better to ask Pavel Poryadin and Marat Khairullin about that.
- What games do you remember the most?
- I remember the home game against «Metallurg» when I scored the first goal and an away game against «Amur».
- How do you feel about coronavirus?
- Of course, we all frustrated. We should stay home as much as possible.
- Did you have some plans on a vacation?
- Sure. Nevertheless, I changed them.
- What are you doing now? What would you recommend to people during quarantine?
I am staying at home. It seems that I have already watched all the videos on YouTube. I miss training on the ice and in the gym. First of all stay physically active during self-quarantine. Secondly, I can advise you to watch a comedy film «Gentlemen»; «Seven Pounds» with Will Smith; «The Invisible Guest».
- How will self-quarantine affect players and hockey in general?
- It is difficult to predict anything. All the championships were canceled. I hope that the preparations for the new season, as well as the season itself, will be started according the schedule. I hope that we and other clubs will be able to organize pre-season camps and be ready for the season. I wish all our fans good health during this difficult time. Take care of yourself and your loved ones and stay at home to stay safe!
- How well do you speak Tatar language?
-I understand Tatar, but I can't speak it well.
- What is your favorite hockey skates’ company?
- Bauer.
- Who is your hockey idol?
- Vadim Shipachev.
- What do you do during flights?
- I listen to music, watch movies and videos on YouTube, sometimes I read books.
- Why'd you pick your jersey number?
- I didn’t choose it. I got the jersey with number 87.
- How often do you change hockey sticks?
- When it brokes.
- What is your favorite color?
- Blue.
- Do you play mobile games?
- I don’t have any of mobile games. I prefer to surf the internet.
- Do you like football?
- I like football, but there is no favorite team.
