Artur Akhtyamov: "Throughout the season I kept getting calls from Ak Bars"

      Artur Akhtyamov on competition in the AHL club, life in America and returning to Russia

      "Offers from Kazan? I can't reveal all the secrets"

       — Artur, you spent last season with the AHL club Toronto Marlies. How would you assess your debut year across the ocean?

       — Overall I'm satisfied. There are aspects I need to work on, which I am doing now.

       — Did you follow your personal statistics?

       — I tried not to. I only watched the team's standing so as not to be distracted or clutter my head with it. In general, I believe team statistics are much more important than individual ones.

       — Were you called up to practice with the main Toronto team? What are their features?

       — I trained with Toronto only at the start of the season and during the playoffs. Each time I felt incredible emotions and euphoria. It's very pleasant to train with star and experienced players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner and many others. I don't really want to single anyone out. I believe that if you've made it to the NHL, you're already a star. And of course I was thrilled by the training process itself: insane speeds and high-intensity loads.

       — How do you assess your prospects with the main roster?

       — If I catch the puck, which I'm working on now, I think everything will be fine.

       — Were you upset that you couldn't break into the NHL in your debut season?

       — Not really. I was ready for any turn of events and understood that it's hard to get into a league like the NHL in the first year.

       — Where do the rumors in the press about your return to Russia come from?

       — I don't know. That's probably why they're called rumors. It seems to me athletes always have that in the off-season.

       — Did you keep in touch during the season with anyone from Ak Bars? Did they offer you to return?

       — Throughout last season they called and checked on how I was doing. I also followed the performances of my home team. As for offers—I can't reveal all the secrets. Let that remain a secret.

      "Thanks to Ak Bars for the opportunity to train in the summer"

       — As far as is known, you're spending the summer in Kazan. When did you return and how did you spend your vacation?

       — I flew to Russia from Canada at the end of May. I actively rested, walked a lot, went fishing. I managed to see friends and spend time with my family. In July I made a trip to Turkey. The vacation was great, but I'm already eagerly awaiting the start of the season.

       — Are you still resting or have you resumed training?

       — After returning from Turkey I immediately started preparing, because I didn't do any physical workouts during the vacation. By the time I arrive in America I need to be in optimal shape. I go to the gym and train on the ice at Ak Bars' facility with goaltending coach Alexander Vyacheslavovich Agopeev. Thanks to Ak Bars for that opportunity.

       — When does the AHL season start? Isn't it too early to begin training?

       — The regular season starts on October 10. I already rested well. I was off for two weeks with no loads; my body itself demanded training.

       — What are your plans for your career going forward?

       — I want to show myself, make saves, give my all to the game, and then we'll see.

      "There were moments of sadness and nostalgia for Russia"

       — What are your impressions of life in America?

       — There are many differences from Russia, starting with the language, mentality, culture and ending with their outlook on life. The impressions are very good. An interesting experience, really. There were moments of sadness and nostalgia, but that happens to everyone who moves abroad.

       — Did it take long to adapt?

       — A bit longer than I would have liked. The team promptly helped with any questions that arose, so I didn't feel any major difficulties.

       — Did you live far from the ice arena?

       — I lived in downtown Toronto, a ten-minute walk from our game arena. By the way, Scotiabank Arena of the main Toronto team is located nearby. I had to spend a little more time getting to the training arena; it's in another district, about a 20-minute drive from my home.

       — How did you get there?

       — I used taxis or rode with Cedric Paquette, who lived nearby, literally in the neighboring buildings.

       — Did you manage to befriend local fans?

       — I like the local fans, they're very friendly and positive. They often waited for us after the game, and it was pleasant to talk with them. The atmosphere at the games is always charged. There are many hockey lovers in Toronto; the stands are always full. Big thanks to the fans for that!

       — What was the attitude toward you from the coaching staff and teammates?

       — I was well received in the team. Trusting relationships formed with all teammates and coaches. We often gathered with the team for holidays, met after games. Some of the guys invited me to their places, and we had a great time.

       — And how disciplined are your North American teammates in terms of routine?

       — In that regard the guys have a very professional attitude.

      "Even in the AHL all goaltenders are of a high class"

       — Another Russian played for the Toronto Marlies — former Metallurg Magnitogorsk player Nikita Grebenkin. You moved from Russia to America at the same time. Do you stick together?

       — Nikita and I really communicated the most, since we're both from Russia. Later he moved to Philadelphia. We spent a lot of time together off the ice and in training. We still try to keep in touch now.

       — Were you upset when he left?

       — Actually it's cool to have someone you can talk to in your native language. After him, another Russian-speaking player appeared on the team — Borya Valis. I'm in touch with him almost every day now. He's already in Toronto and preparing for the season in full swing. An interesting fact: Borya has American citizenship, and his parents are from Yekaterinburg. He himself has never been to Russia but really wants to visit. I hope to bring him here sometime.

       — You said that at the very beginning you had difficulties because of the language barrier. Did Nikita have similar problems? Did you deal with it together somehow?

       — I think everyone who goes abroad for the first time faces similar situations. But we tried to communicate with everyone as much as possible, and our level of language skill gradually progressed.

       — Did you manage to make friends with any English-speaking teammates?

       — Americans are very sociable. It was easy to start a conversation with them on any topic. And even if I didn't understand a word, they tried to explain it to me. Honestly, learning a language that way is even more interesting than constantly turning to a translator.

       — How serious was the competition among the goaltending line?

       — Even in the AHL all goaltenders are of a very high class, and competing with them is a pleasure. You can always pick up something new for yourself. Off the ice we have friendly relations.

       — What differences in North American hockey would you note from the goaltender's perspective?

       — There's a more aggressive and fast-paced game, more directness, dangerous moments and shots from all positions.

       — What did you pick up from the other goaltenders during this time?

       — To be honest, everyone has their own tricks. I watched how goalies move, hold their hands, choose positioning in various situations.

       — Who can you single out among NHL goaltenders?

       — I mainly followed Russian goaltenders. First of all I’ll point out Sergei Bobrovsky, since he won the Stanley Cup with Florida for the second time. I watched him and tried to adopt some of his moves. And, by the way, last season I was lucky enough to attend a playoff game. We came to Sunrise to play against their farm club, the Portland Pirates. And of course I can't fail to mention other Russian goaltenders currently playing in the NHL: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Igor Shesterkin, Ilya Sorokin and others. I try to follow them all and root for each of them.

      Photo: Toronto Marlies HC social media