Nikolai Makarov: Ready to play every day!
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Nikolai Makarov: Ready to play every day!

The defenseman Nikolai Makarov told if it is difficult for him to play for all three teams in the club system and what he is working on to meet the level of the KHL.

- This year you were used to the first team. Did you expect before the season that you would take the limiter position? Have you been preparing in the offseason, setting for?

- In the summer, I first trained with Zvezda, then I joined the first team. The call-up to CSKA was not a surprise, I was warned about it in advance. During the training camp, I was told to prepare as well as possible, to absorb everything, because it was already known that in August I would go to the Russian Olympic team for the Sochi Hockey Open, and I would have less time to prepare for the season compared to my partners.

- Was it hard to make such a quick transition to the full side? Last season you played in the Junior Hockey League for CSKA and even played in a few games for the school.

- I understand that the level in the KHL is different but it wasn't so hard for me. I got used to it. I'm not physically inferior to anyone else, so I didn't have too many difficulties.

- Last season you made your KHL debut against Dynamo Riga. What were your impressions of that game?

- It was like a breath of fresh air. I felt the first team. When you've been there and you go back to Junior Hockey League or Supreme Hockey League, you understand where you have to go, what your goal is.

- At the start of this season, you played for all three teams in the CSKA system. How easy is it to constantly move between teams?

- I've already gotten used to adjusting quickly. It is clear that all leagues have different hockey, their own nuances but I already have an understanding of how they play. I got into the season, I'm fine, no problems.

- Would you say that you have different roles on the teams? In CSKA team, for example, you score more points.

- The higher the level of the league, the greater the responsibility. If you make a mistake in the Supreme Hockey League, the guys of a higher class can score right away. Here you have to play more strictly, without mistakes. In the Youth League, I'm more often getting forward and helping the offense.

- What did you emphasize in these matches that you need to improve? Physically, as you said, everything is fine. And in terms of the game?

- Right now, I'm paying a lot of attention to my hands. I'm working on how to quickly start the attack with the first pass, to better support the attackers. And most importantly - it's a reliable defensive game.

- You don't get a lot of playing time on the first team yet. It's not hard to get into the game?

- No, it's not hard. From the very first minute, we're inspired for the game. Even if I go out for only three shifts per game, it means I have to spend them to the fullest. During breaks, you can spin a bicycle, for example, so that you don't go out on the ice "cold". You always have to keep your body toned up and ready to jump out and play at any moment.

- The World Youth Championship is slowly approaching. As I understand, playing in this tournament is one of your main goals for the season?

- Yes, at the end of October they should announce the expanded national team. So, I'm getting ready and really hope to play in the World Youth Championship this year.

- How do you prioritize this season at the club level? What's more important - to gain a foothold in the KHL and SHL or would you like to fight for the Kharlamov Cup with CSKA?

Of course, I want first of all to establish myself at a higher level but I'm ready to play in all three leagues. I have enough strength for all the teams. I'm ready to play every day!