In the second edition of our "Change 2.0" commentary, 18-year-old CSKA forward Prokhor Poltapov speaks specifically for KHL.ru about how he made the transition to the professional level and why he considers character to be the most important aspect of the game.
Prokhor Poltapov started to go in for hockey at the Silver Lions Sports School. The coaches immediately saw him as attacker - perhaps because of his high speed and not very impressive size. When he was a child, he didn't see hockey as a future profession, the understanding has come only two years ago.
"I went to a higher level then, started playing in the Junior Hockey League, and there was an understanding that this would be my favorite job. Being a child, I was just playing and didn't think about the future, but then I realized that hockey is my future."
Poltapov has his own little recipe for a successful game - you always have to go out on the ice with a positive attitude. Otherwise, you'll be too uptight and you won't be able to enjoy the game
"Before a game, there is always enthusiasm, I try to start the game in a high mood no matter how important the game is. You just have to be cheerful. You shouldn't think about something too serious; it can make the game go wrong".
At the same time, Prokhor is a very self-critical guy, and sometimes he was emotional and thought about quitting hockey. But when he cooled down, he calmly considered everything and did not make such a serious decision in the heat of the moment.
"We were playing against SKA-Varyagi, and we almost lost the game because of me - my teammate draw a penalty shot during the game, and they let me realize it, but I didn't score. Then there were game winning draws and I also did not realize my attempt. I said a lot of words, of course - that's it, I had to stop with all of this. But then I calmed down. At tough moments, I always talk to my mom; she always has an answer what I did wrong and give me the right advice. It helps a lot."
Poltapov made his KHL debut in the 2020/2021 season in a game against Dynamo Riga, his only game in that championship for the first CSKA team. The new head coach of CSKA team, Sergei Fedorov, trusts him a little more, now the young forward has five games in the regular season to his credit.
"In my debut game, I wasn't worried at all until stepping on the ice. Thanks to my partners, they encouraged me. The first shift went quickly, I didn't even realize how it all happened. Of course, I wanted to win that game, but the atmosphere and emotions were cool. I realized that I want to stay at this level. The main thing for me is to be useful to the team. If the game goes well, I try to get points, score and give. But if I can't, I have to fight for a puck, cheer the team up and do some dirty work.
In the CSKA locker room, Prokhor is supported by his older teammates, helping him shaping up. But there are also young player responsibilities, which Poltapov doesn't shirk."
«I collect pucks after training, yes (smiles). But that's about it. All the guys are trying to help, because they were in my place. Imagine - you come to a new team, of course, you don't know anyone, all the guys are older, so you need help. Sometimes they tease me, but it's all in a kind way. I try to talk less and listen more in the locker room, but if my seniors offer me a talk, I won't refuse."
In his free time, Prokhor likes reading detectives, especially Agatha Christie's books. And his favorites are the paper copies; he walks around bookstores himself, looking at the covers and reading the annotations.
"I've never looked at the end of a book to read the answer. It's more interesting on your own - trying to figure out who committed the murder, you like to guess the thoughts of people who think differently. It helps in hockey, too, because you study goalies, how they play, at what moments, for example, they sit or stand. In the summer, I read seven or eight books in a month and a half, and then, when training camp started, I had a little less time. I recommend reading "Peril at End House" by Agatha Christie - the outcome is very interesting."
For Poltapov, hockey is not only a job he loves, but also fun, drive, and discipline. You can't do without it at this level, and no one knows that better than a CSKA player.
"When I joined CSKA Club, I realized that you need to take responsibility for what you're doing and give it your all. In hockey my character helps me, it's men's sport, there's nothing to slobber over, you have to be patient and play hard. That's what matters - go out and prove it, play your best, show what you can do. Then you'll progress and grow with every game. "
Dossier
Prokhor Sergeyevich Poltapov
He was born on February 1, 2003 in St. Petersburg
Career: CSKA (JHL) - 2019 - 2021; "Zvezda" (SHL) - 2021; CSKA (KHL) - 2020 - up to now;
