Maxim Valerievich Shalunov(January 31, Chelyabinsk) - Russian hockey player, striker. Russian national team player. Pupil of the Chelyabinsk Tractor. In the 2013/2014 season, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks farm club, Rockford IceHogs (AHL). Championship bronze medal winner KHL season 2014/2015. He is currently a player in the Novosibirsk "Siberia", playing in the KHL.
Career
Maxim Shalunov started his professional career in 2009 as part of the Chelyabinsk club of the Youth Hockey League "Polar Bears". In his debut season Maxim spent only 7 matches on the court, in which, however, he scored 12 (8 + 4) points. In 2010, at the KHL Draft, he was selected in the 1st round under the 15th overall number by his native Tractor. The following season, Maxim continued to improve his performance, scoring 43 (23+20) scores in 44 matches. Moreover, on October 5, 2010, in a match against the Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra, Shalunov made his debut in the Kontinental Hockey League, spending more than 11 minutes on the court, and on January 3, 2011, in a game with the same opponent, he scored his first point in the KHL, making effective transmission.
In 2013, he took part in the Chicago Blackhawks pre-season training, but did not get a place in the roster, after which he was sent to the AHL farm club - Rockford IceHogs.
On June 19, 2014, Traktor exchanged the rights to Shalunov to Admiral, and the Vladivostok club sent the player to Siberia a month later.
International
As part of the Russian national team, Maxim Shalunov took part in the 2010 World Junior Championships, in which the Russians managed to take only 4th place, and Maxim himself scored 4 (3 + 1) points in 7 matches played. At the next world championship, the national team became a bronze medalist, and Shalunov scored 3 (2 + 1) points in 6 matches.
As part of the Russian national team, he took part in the World Youth Championship, where the team won bronze medals, and Maxim scored 2 (0 + 2) points in 6 matches played.
Achievements
- Bronze medalist of the Junior World Championship ().
- Bronze medalist Youth Championship peace().
Performance statistics
Last updated: March 16, 2016| regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | league | Games | G | P | points | +/- | Str | Games | G | P | points | +/- | Str |
| 2009/10 | White bears | MHL | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | +6 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 7 | +4 | 6 |
| 2010/11 | White bears | MHL | 39 | 22 | 14 | 36 | +13 | 30 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 2 |
| 2010/11 | Tractor | KHL | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2011/12 | White bears | MHL | 48 | 30 | 30 | 60 | -1 | 60 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2012/13 | White bears | MHL | 7 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2012/13 | Chelmet | VHL | 19 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -10 | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2012/13 | Tractor | KHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014/15 | Siberia | KHL | 33 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -7 | 8 | 16 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| 2015/16 | Siberia | KHL | 59 | 18 | 12 | 30 | +6 | 32 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 8 |
| Total in the KHL | 99 | 19 | 16 | 35 | -3 | 40 | 26 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 10 | 12 | ||
| total in career | 221 | 42 | 30 | 72 | +16 | 74 | 35 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 14 | 20 | ||
International
| Year | Team | Tournament | Place | And | G | P | O | +/- | Str |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat. Russia (junior) | YJWCH | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 4 | +3 | 31 | |
| Sat. Russia (junior) | YJWCH | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -3 | 0 | ||
| Sat. Russia (youth) | MFM | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +2 | 6 | ||
| Total Sat. Russia (junior and youth) | 19 | 5 | 4 | 9 | +2 | 37 | |||
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Notes
Links
- (Russian)
| Hockey club "Siberia" - current squad | |
|---|---|
|
5 Glukhov 7 Shumakov 8 Artyomov 9 Ivanov 10 Cable 15 Misharin 16 Poles 17 Okulov 18 Jafarov 21 Menshikov 22 Gubin 23 Kemppainen 30 Taylor (V) 33 Sergienko 39 Sannikov 43 Ignatovich 44 Artyukhin 46 Lukin 51 Fefelov 53 Salak (V) 55 Vereshchagin 61 Yakovlev 77 Belyakov 84 Krasikov (V) 87 Shalunov 88 | |
An excerpt characterizing Shalunov, Maxim Valerievich
The general expression on Kutuzov's face was concentrated, calm attention and tension, barely overcoming the fatigue of a weak and old body.At eleven o'clock in the morning news was brought to him that the fleches occupied by the French were again recaptured, but that Prince Bagration was wounded. Kutuzov gasped and shook his head.
“Go to Prince Peter Ivanovich and find out in detail what and how,” he said to one of the adjutants and after that turned to Prince Wirtemberg, who was standing behind him:
“Would it please your Highness to take command of the First Army.”
Shortly after the prince's departure, so soon that he could not yet reach Semyonovsky, the prince's adjutant returned from him and reported to his lordship that the prince was asking for troops.
Kutuzov grimaced and sent an order to Dokhturov to take command of the first army, and asked the prince, without whom, as he said, he could not do at these important moments, he asked to return to himself. When the news of the capture of Murat was brought and the staff congratulated Kutuzov, he smiled.
“Wait, gentlemen,” he said. - The battle is won, and there is nothing unusual in the capture of Murat. But it is better to wait and rejoice. “However, he sent an adjutant to pass through the troops with this news.
When Shcherbinin galloped up from the left flank with a report about the occupation of the fleches and Semenovsky by the French, Kutuzov, guessing from the sounds of the battlefield and Shcherbinin’s face that the news was bad, stood up, as if stretching his legs, and, taking Shcherbinin’s arm, took him aside .
“Go, my dear,” he said to Yermolov, “see if anything can be done.”
Kutuzov was in Gorki, in the center of the position of the Russian troops. Napoleon's attack on our left flank was repulsed several times. In the center, the French did not move further than Borodin. From the left flank, Uvarov's cavalry forced the French to flee.
At three o'clock the French attacks ceased. On all the faces coming from the battlefield, and on those who stood around him, Kutuzov read an expression of tension that reached the highest degree. Kutuzov was pleased with the success of the day beyond expectation. But physical strength left the old man. Several times his head sank low, as if falling, and he dozed off. He was served dinner.
Wing adjutant Wolzogen, the same one who, passing by Prince Andrei, said that the war should be im Raum verlegon [transferred into space (German)], and whom Bagration hated so much, drove up to Kutuzov during lunch. Wolzogen came from Barclay with a report on the progress of affairs on the left flank. The prudent Barclay de Tolly, seeing the crowds of the wounded fleeing and the disorganized behinds of the army, having weighed all the circumstances of the case, decided that the battle was lost, and with this news he sent his favorite to the commander-in-chief.
Kutuzov chewed the fried chicken with difficulty, and with narrowed, cheerful eyes looked at Wolzogen.
Wolzogen, casually stretching his legs, with a half-contemptuous smile on his lips, went up to Kutuzov, lightly touching his visor with his hand.
Wolzogen treated his Serene Highness with a certain affected carelessness, intended to show that he, as a highly educated military man, leaves the Russians to make an idol out of this old, useless man, while he himself knows with whom he is dealing. “Der alte Herr (as the Germans called Kutuzov in their circle) macht sich ganz bequem, [The old gentleman calmly settled down (German)] thought Wolzogen and, looking sternly at the plates that stood in front of Kutuzov, began to report to the old gentleman the state of affairs on the left flank as Barclay ordered him and as he himself saw and understood him.
- All points of our position are in the hands of the enemy and there is nothing to recapture, because there are no troops; they are running, and there is no way to stop them,” he reported.
Kutuzov, stopping to chew, stared at Wolzogen in surprise, as if not understanding what he was being told. Wolzogen, noticing the excitement of des alten Herrn, [the old gentleman (German)], said with a smile:
- I did not consider myself entitled to hide from your lordship what I saw ... The troops are in complete disorder ...
- Have you seen? Did you see? .. - Kutuzov shouted with a frown, quickly getting up and advancing on Wolzogen. “How dare you… how dare you…!” he shouted, making menacing gestures with shaking hands and choking. - How dare you, my dear sir, say this to me. You don't know anything. Tell General Barclay from me that his information is incorrect and that the real course of the battle is known to me, the commander-in-chief, better than to him.
Wolzogen wanted to object something, but Kutuzov interrupted him.
- The enemy is repulsed on the left and defeated on the right flank. If you have not seen well, dear sir, then do not allow yourself to say what you do not know. Please go to General Barclay and convey to him my indispensable intention to attack the enemy tomorrow, ”Kutuzov said sternly. Everyone was silent, and one could hear one heavy breathing of the out of breath old general. - Repulsed everywhere, for which I thank God and our brave army. The enemy is defeated, and tomorrow we will drive him out of the sacred Russian land, - said Kutuzov, crossing himself; and suddenly burst into tears. Wolzogen, shrugging his shoulders and twisting his lips, silently stepped aside, wondering at uber diese Eingenommenheit des alten Herrn. [on this tyranny of the old gentleman. (German)]
“Yes, here he is, my hero,” Kutuzov said to the plump, handsome black-haired general, who at that time was entering the mound. It was Raevsky, who had spent the whole day at the main point of the Borodino field.
Raevsky reported that the troops were firmly in their places and that the French did not dare to attack anymore. After listening to him, Kutuzov said in French:
– Vous ne pensez donc pas comme lesautres que nous sommes obliges de nous retirer? [So you don't think, like the others, that we should retreat?]
Hockey club"Siberia" is one of the brightest symbols of our city and, definitely, the most beloved one. Behind every successful man is an equally successful woman. And this project is about those to whom hockey players dedicate their victories, about those who are most worried and worried when they go out on the ice. About the most important fans who give their warmth and love every day so that we rejoice at the success of our team.
Alexandra Alekseeva (#20 Konstantin Alekseev)
This year will be 10 years of being together and 6 years of being married. We met by chance, in a common company. And then, six months later, our eyes met, and Kostya wrote to me that same evening and offered to meet. They spent the whole day talking together and never parted. We have an even, I would even say, ideal relationship. We just love to be together and appreciate these moments.
We are both local. Kostya has been playing for the team for 10 years and, of course, we love this city and will return to Novosibirsk every time. Once I followed him to Kurgan, it was an interesting adventure (smiles), and I am ready to fly to any city, the main thing is to be there.
Of course, it's always nice when the stadium is chanting my husband's name. We have some of the best fans in the league. But I am proud of my husband whether he scores goals or not. The play of the defender is not as noticeable as the strikers, but I know that he is fine, and that's enough for me.
Kostya does not often fight, but if this happens, everything inside me tenses up, in principle, as well as for any player from our team. We had many difficult moments connected specifically with Kostya's profession, but for me he is always the best. I know what my husband is capable of and he knows it. We all have our ups and downs, it's important to get over it and move on. Me and our son Timi are always there, and this is the main thing for him.
Victoria Menshikova (#21 Vitaly Menshikov)
We have been together for almost 12 years, and married for 4 years. We met so unusually (laughs). Studied in parallel classes. We constantly exchanged glances, but hockey players are shy people, especially in their youth. I had to take the initiative myself, and away we go... Love-Carrot.
On the way to becoming Vitaly as a “mature” hockey player, I had to change many teams, respectively, there were many moves, but I was always with him and, as he said, was his support and motivator to achieve goals (I hope that I still stay). Of course, it was hard for me to leave my hometown, in which I lived all my adult life, but when you love, you turn a blind eye to many things.
Novosibirsk has become my home. My husband says that the fans here are the best in the league, and I completely agree with him. And when they chant his last name, it gives goosebumps, an unforgettable experience.
During conflicts on the ice, I am very worried about my husband. But, firstly, I reassure myself that this is not a fight on the street, where it is not clear what can happen. Secondly, Vitaly is not one of the timid, I know that he can stand up for himself, for the honor of the team.
Difficulties in the game are a delicate matter, and first you need to understand if there is a problem or it is far-fetched. It's like the lines in the well-known prayer: “Lord, give me the peace to accept what I cannot change, give me the courage to change what I can change. And give me wisdom to distinguish one from the other. Sometimes it is enough to listen and support.
The most important surprise for my husband is one and a half years old. And the name of this miracle is Sofia, this is our daughter.
Victoria Beresneva (#51 Igor Fefelov)
The history of our acquaintance is not banal: neither friends nor any human factor contributed to this. For our time fellowship in social networks- this is already the norm. And, as a rule, these communications lead to nothing, but not in our case. It was enough for us to hear each other's voice for an insane desire to see each other appeared. For almost 5 months now, we are happy that we trusted our feelings. Every day with him is full of surprises. Ahead is the holiday of all lovers, so I will invent and surprise!
Igor quickly took the Moscow-Novosibirsk situation into his own hands and took me to where I should be - next to my man. Igor took care of my comfort to the maximum, so that the adaptation was quick and without any difficulties. His attention and attitude played a very important role. I have never been to Siberia, the only thing that all my friends told me is that it is very cold there! And they teased me: "You're just like the wife of a Decembrist." But still, it is important for me not where, but with whom. Igor does not give doubt in my decision. In general, people in Novosibirsk are very open and kind, everything I needed, I found here. And I want to note - at a decent level.
My reaction to all the successes and victories of Igor is pride! It is incredibly nice to hear the approval of the fans, I always convey words of support to Igor! It charges him and gives him great confidence in himself. And I want to note that HC Sibir has the best fans, thanks to them for the incredible atmosphere in the arena.
Faith in a man and love is the main thing! It is important to feel the person. Somewhere to be silent together, and somewhere to laugh out loud. I am for positive in everything, so if something goes wrong, laugh heartily, and I assure you, it will become easier.
The work that you give yourself completely to, when your eyes are burning, when you get an abundance of emotions from your work, when it becomes a part of life, both yours and your family, is priceless! Few people can talk like that about their business now. He loves hockey as much as his family! And the family for Igor is the most important thing.
We try to spend our free time together, it charges with the right energy. Of course, we love the sea, the sun, delicious food and sweet sleep. Rest is the restoration of physical and moral strength.
Lilia Chasovitina (#87 Maxim Shalunov)
We have known each other for a very long time, and we have been living together for 2.5 years. We met in 2008 in Tyumen, in my hometown. My best friend's brother is a hockey player, and we periodically went to his games. And then one day, as usual, we were waiting for him after the game, and then he appeared. Shalunov Maxim Valerievich in the company of his teammates, and so they met.
I left my hometown when I was 17 years old. She studied at the Academy under the President of the Russian Federation in Moscow. Therefore, the change of residence for me was normal. The next step was America: Maxim played there in the North American league in the Chicago Blackhawks farm club, and then Novosibirsk. Novosibirsk is a magnificent city with a very developed infrastructure. It has everything for a comfortable stay. Well, the most important asset of Novosibirsk is the fans! They are incredible! There are definitely none like it anywhere! When 7,000 fans shout "Maxim Shalunov" - these are indescribable emotions. Pride bursting for her man!
In difficult moments, I encourage in every possible way, pretend that it should be so, for black stripe Because it always comes in white. Many athletes have a very fine mental organization, and they need to work hard on themselves - until you put your thoughts in order, everything will not go according to plan, and neither holy water nor the church will help.
AT this moment our whole life is connected with hockey. In our free time, we watch TV shows, play PlayStation, go to the movies or go out to dinner with friends. It has become a tradition for us to fly to America every summer, where many friends remain, and we feel very comfortable there.
Photographer: Ksenia Zaitseva (Instagram: zaits_k)
Makeup artists: Marina Pestereva (Instagram: marina_pestereva)
Albina Luneva (Instagram: albina_luneva)
Julia Morgan (Instagram: julia_morgan88)
Elvira Pronina (Instagram: pronina_elvira_muah)
Thank you for the provided form network sports shops SportDepo (Chelyuskintsev st., 14/2)
Thank you indoor ice rink"Siberian ice" for the provided film set (Instagram: sibirskyice)
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Maxim Shalunov has finished his tour of the North American leagues and is preparing for an exchange with Admiral. At the request of ChelyabinskHockey.ru, the once most promising hockey player in Russia spoke about fights in the AHL, full arenas in the East Coast league and illegal driving.
On the difficulties in the AHL
My year in the USA started with summer camp. Before him arranged the bride of beginners, I had a good three games and I was invited to the training camp. According to its results, the bosses of "Chicago" fused almost everyone to the farm club, but I was ready for this.
What can you say about the AHL? The league is rough, fast, everyone is fighting, squabbling for every meter of the site. Lots of clashes and fights. I once also “embraced” with the enemy, but it didn’t come to blows. Everything else is calm.
True, at Rockford IceHogs I didn’t work out right away. The reason is the delay in my work visa, because of which I missed the first 12 matches. while the team played away series I went to Chicago with a skating coach.
When the problem with the visa was solved, the composition was already formed. I was put in the 3-4 link and given a maximum of 9 minutes of playing time.
Another reason is overkill with attackers. There were so many of them that some forwards had to play defense. Despite these factors, my statistics are depressing: 4 assists and 0 goals. I can not explain it, probably psychology.
About the crazy Czech
- To be honest, I'm even pleased that the coaches let me down to the ECHL. And I didn’t lose my salary, and I played enough, because the coach trusted me. He was one of the leaders in the Toledo team - he scored 18 goals, gave 16 assists.
By the way, I didn’t feel a big difference with the AHL. In the East Coast League, everyone is also rushing, fighting, fighting. In comparison with it, our MHL is resting. Rather, the level is more like a “tower”, with the difference that in Russia they value technical guys, and there they are rough and fast. If you have speed good hands and a smart head, then in America you can become a king.
There were fights in every game. The Czech Richard Nedomlel was considered the main breakout in our team. Slightly that and at it demolished a roof. He threw the stick, threw off the leggings and shouted: “Do you want problems? Go here!". There were other guys, those who solved fights with one blow to the chin.
About party with fans
- We played in Toledo - small town where they love hockey. In fact, 8 thousand people gathered for each game. More than in the arena "Tractor".
We kept in touch with our fans all the time. Every Friday we went up to the restaurant-bar and discussed the games in an informal setting.
Over the ocean, in general, complete permissiveness. If they see you after ten in the evening in a bar, no one will say a word. But they don’t violate the regime, because the schedule is the hardest, there can be five games a week, so there’s no time for partying. Another factor is the high level of competition. Everyone understands that today he plays, and tomorrow he can lose everything.
About English lessons
- For a year I pulled up my tongue quite well. I came to the States with school knowledge at the level of "hello", "how are you", and after five months I could communicate freely.
My teacher was Viktor Svidberg, a tall guy from Sweden, with whom I played at Rockford. At first I did not understand what he was saying at all, I just nodded with smart look. But he patiently explained banal things to me on his fingers, and over time I began to speak.
About buying a car
– The craziest thing to do is to buy a BMW 3 Series. It was impossible to do this, because I do not have an American license, and Russian ones are valid for the first three months. I was rescued by a car dealer I met in Chicago. Until the New Year, I traveled on insurance obtained through his Social Security Number, and then without any documents at all.
In the first four days I was fined twice. Once for illegal parking, once for speeding. Instead of the allowed 45 miles, the Swede and I flew under 70. Three more miles and I would have been put behind bars. I drew conclusions, understood how to travel to the USA, and they didn’t slow me down anymore.
About travel
- As a tourist, I visited three major cities - Chicago, Miami and Detroit. The latter has criminal fame in the States. The guys tried to dissuade us from going there, they warned that gangsters would rob us at the very first gas station. It turned out that everything is not so scary. It's more dangerous here at ChMZ in the evenings.
Detroit seemed to me a lonely and empty city. There are few people and cars, only police cars are constantly rushing along the roads, patrolling the streets.
About "Admiral"
- I initially left for a year to rethink my career, live on my own, become a real man. I am happy that I got this experience and saw how people work. In America, they plow more than we do, but they get less.
Toledo coaches advised me to stay, promised to give good recommendations, but the option with the "Admiral" turned up. Money has nothing to do with it. By the way, long flights don’t scare me, because I’m used to sleeping like a log on an airplane.
I did not close the option with America, but if everything goes well in the KHL, then I will not break loose.
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About North American hockey
“Guys who want to leave should know that no one needs them there. Canada and the US are full of their own hockey players who also want to eat and earn a living. In Russia, you can be the best, be considered a rising star, but there you are nobody and there is no way to call you. You need to make a name again, otherwise nothing.
Photo: Valery ZVONAREV, Toledo official website, free sources
In one of the interviews, Maxim Shalunov mentioned that he was going to become the same bright forward as his colleague in the Polar Bears Evgeny Kuznetsov. While Maxim manages to "keep the bar". So, for example, in a recent match with Omsk Hawks, he scored two goals (final score 5:1), and was recognized best player meetings.
Near the locker room, young autograph collectors and lovers of photographs with stars "attacked" Max. Even Evgeny Kuznetsov, standing nearby, did not receive such attention from fans and admirers that evening as the top scorer of the "bears" Maxim Shalunov: handsome, blond, with a height of under 190 cm and a Hollywood smile. True, Shalunov is not yet such a master of giving interviews as Kuznetsov. He is even shy of his two meters (if with skates), and bends over a little so as not to look down at the journalists. Answers all questions openly. And this cannot but bribe. Partners in the "Polar Bears" say that Max is always like that - cheerful and sincere.
While one transmission
- Next season, a place in Traktor's "base" is booked for you, after all, are you the Polar Bears' top scorer?
Of course, I hope that Valery Konstantinovich Belousov will involve me in the games. If they call me, I guarantee I will try my best. This is the dream of any hockey player who plays now in the MHL. This year I have six matches for the main squad. So far I can boast of only one assist. The guys said that I scored a goal, but the transfer was recorded in the protocol. This season, the main thing is to get into the playoffs with the Polar Bears, and play well there. My future at Traktor also depends on this.
- Before the decisive games for a ticket to the Kharlamov Cup, have the “bears” changed their training? Maybe there is a special emphasis on something?
Everything is as usual. Our training sessions are always intense, from the beginning to the end the guys do everything in good faith. We work out all tactical and technical elements in each line - both in defense and in attack.
Sapozhnikov is different
- Stanislav Shadrin led the team for one part of the season, then Andrey Sapozhnikov replaced him as head coach. What did the new mentor bring to training, did the team play change?
As for the game, the differences are probably better seen from the podium. At least, with a new mentor, we have completed many important matches in our favor. There are also differences in the training process. New exercises have appeared, some elements of performance have changed. The final effect of the preparation also depends on this. Now I like, for example, the “one-zero” exercise, when you push off from two players, roll out, the pass is returned to you, and you shoot at the goal.
- Do you have a favorite exercise?
A lot of people don't like running fast around the court (laughs). But it must be done. When you realize that this is not for the coach, but for yourself, then strength is added.
- Your partner in the "Polar Bears" Evgeny Kuznetsov recently announced his wedding. Have you thought about getting married yet?
There is a friend, of course. Marina is a student at SUSU. I don't even know what specialty. We meet. But I'm not going to get married yet (smiles). Until then, sport comes first.
DOSSIER "KP"
Maxim SHALUNOV. 18 years. Attack. Game number - 88. Height 190 cm, weight 84 kg. This season he played 36 games for the Polar Bears, scored 34 points (21+13). As long as is top scorer commands.
In the previous four seasons, Sibir has consistently been a playoff participant. The Novosibirsk team beat Ak Bars and Magnitka in the cup rounds, twice stopped at the second round stage, and in 2015 reached the conference finals, becoming the bronze medalist of the KHL championship. But in this season Sibir's business is not going so well. Seven games before the end of the regular season, the Siberians do not enter the playoff zone, five points behind the coveted eight.
The best sniper of the Novosibirsk club is now a 23-year-old striker. In the current championship, Shalunov was forced to miss part of the matches due to injury, and as a result, he scored 33 (18 + 15) points in 41 games. It was Maxim Shalunov who represented Sibir at the 2017 KHL All-Star Game in Ufa.
“Full stands were remembered at the All-Star Game”
What emotions did you experience when you found out that the fans chose you to participate in the All-Star Game?
To the fans, I want to say a huge thank you for this. Thanks to them, I got into the first link - this is an indescribable feeling. I hope I didn't let them down.
The KHL has changed the format of the All-Star Game.
I think this is the right decision: to make such a holiday for two days. If everything took place in one day, they would not quite have time to feel the amazing atmosphere. And now everything has become full.
On the first day, the Master Show took place on the ice of the Ufa Arena. What do you remember the most about this event?
Honestly? Atmosphere! Full stands, in Ufa they know how to cheer: good hockey city. There were fun and interesting contests. Both us and the fans liked them.
Perhaps you had a desire to participate in a certain discipline?
I didn't care. Was ready for anything (smiles).
You ran in the medley relay with Sami Lepisto and Jan Kolář and also in the speed relay. Where was more fun?
Both were interesting. In the first one, it was necessary to quit right away, which I like, in principle. In the second relay race, it was necessary to run a circle as quickly as possible. Won well.
That is, the sports principle was still present in the Master Show?
Certainly. We are athletes! When you compete, it's always nice to win.
“The tone in the locker room of the East was set by Mozyakin and Medvedev”
Did you have the opportunity to see the city during your stay in Ufa?
To be honest, I didn’t succeed, because when I arrived in Ufa, I didn’t feel very well. I spent more time in my room.
Which of the KHL stars did you like to communicate with? Who was the funniest guy of the weekend?
I had a good conversation with all the guys. Our team of the East was generally cheerful: Sergey Mozyakin and Zhenya Medvedev set the tone, everything was at home in the locker room (smiles).
What instructions did the mentors of the East teams give you - Ilya Vorobyov and Fedor Kanareikin?
Not particularly motivated (laughs). They told us to go out, and then we can do everything ourselves (smiles).
Well-known hockey commentators made their debut in Ufa as assistant coaches.
By the way, they just told us what and how to do to be better.
You were the only representative of Siberia. Who else from the team players was missing in Ufa?
Of course, Sergei Shumakov.
"Salak - almost the whole team, could easily be the captain"
"Siberia" is now in a difficult situation in standings The team is not yet in the playoffs. How are you planning to resolve the issue?
Now there will be seven matches - almost all of them are play-offs, with our direct competitors. You just have to go out and win, then we'll be in the playoffs. Basically, we can do it.
Did the injury of the main goalkeeper Alexander Salak at the beginning of the season have a strong impact on the game of Siberia?
Sasha, Sasha... As they say, the goalkeeper is half of the team. And we have Salak - almost the whole team. Such a personality, both in the locker room and on the ice.
Judging by your words, Salak could become a captain?
He would have easily become a captain if he had not been a goalkeeper (laughs).
In that situation, the place at the gate was entrusted to the young Alexei Krasikov. Did the team then change the model of the game?
No, we had the same game model. I will say that Alex is well done! He did not hesitate, immediately came out and let us know that there was no need to panic much.
What does Andrey Skabelka require from the players now?
He demands to go to every game as if it were the last one, because for us the playoffs started a long time ago. There is no room for error. Everything is at work.
Novosibirsk lives on hockey: the stadium is always full at Siberia's home matches, the fans support the team very well. This support right now, in a difficult period, is certainly felt in a special way?
It's always like this in Novosibirsk. What fans of "Siberia" are famous for - they share this burden with us both in sorrow and in joy. Actually, it's very nice. When there is support, it is much easier to get out of the “pit”, because you feel that they believe in the team.
“Skabelka and Tarasenko show me something new every day”
In Sibir, you first played on the edge, then began to play in the center of the attack. Where are you more comfortable?
Now for the second season I play in the center, so I feel very comfortable in this position.
With the defensive skills of Maxim Shalunov, therefore, everything is in order?
Podnaskali (smiles).
You are having your best season ever in the KHL: 18 goals, 15 assists, 33 points. Due to what did you manage to reach a new level and break the record of last season?
I think through work. Many thanks to the coaches who trust me: Andrey Vladimirovich Skabelka, Andrey Tarasenko. For teaching me some skills, every day they show me something new.
Your team-up with Sergei Shumakov managed to make some noise in the championship. This season is no exception. How did you manage to quickly find mutual understanding?
Then I played on the edge, and they decided to try me in the center. Set with Seryoga. Until that moment, we had never gone out on the ice together. Somehow they even sat with him and laughed about the fact that I played with everyone, but not with him, and he did the same. Again, thanks to Andrei Vladimirovich Skabelka for putting us together.
After all, Stepan Sannikov is also in your link.
Styopa can do everything: defend, score a goal, and give a subtle pass. It is also an integral part of the mechanism.
You are one of the leaders of Siberia. Is it hard to lead a team?
Hard times are now. Actually not easy.
Which of the players of "Siberia" revealed the most in the current season?
This season, Kostya Okulov revealed himself. Really talented guy.
"Znarok is a fair motivator"
In 2013, you tried your hand at the Chicago Blackhawks, went through a training camp with the team, played in the farm club, but did not make it to the main team. What got in the way?
Was not ready.
At what plan?
In the physical.
Do you keep in mind the option of going overseas now, given that the contract with Sibir expires this spring?
Now, honestly, I don’t think about anything. We need to finish the season well.
Thanks to the productive game for the club, you were called up to the Russian national team. What does this mean for you?
It is a great honor for me to stand up for my country, it is very nice. An indescribable feeling when you are in a team with such masters, and we have quite a few of them. And of course, great experience.
How is it working with Oleg Znark?
Perfectly.
Describe him as a coach.
He is a true motivator.
Do you have more than enough aspirations to get into the Russian team for the 2017 World Cup?
Who doesn't aspire? (Smiling.) Of course, I would like to get there and win medals of the highest dignity.
“Sticks were not taken away on the way to training at ChTZ”
You are originally from Chelyabinsk. Do you often visit your hometown?
Available only in summer. This year I could not get to my hometown on the road, I was injured.
You had a great team in the Polar Bears, some of the guys are now playing successfully in the NHL. Do you keep talking?
Yes, we communicate. In the summer we all meet, see each other.
Evgeny Kuznetsov in one of his interviews said that he lived in a difficult area of Chelyabinsk. Where did you grow up?
I come from the North-West, but I spent all my childhood at ChTZ. Because there is both the Traktor school and the school where he studied.
Did they take away your clubs on the way to practice?
Not (laughs). Everyone knows each other there.
How do you take your mind off hockey?
I play a little console, sometimes I go to the movies. Basically, I like to spend time at home.
You are wearing number 87. Crosby is an idol?
No no (laughs). In fact, Crosby is a great player, especially this season. And 87 is just a beautiful number, for me.
How do you usually spend your vacation?
Actively. Can't sit in one place (smiles).
Did you like the Dominican Republic?
To be honest, not very much. For the reason that there was a hotel holiday. For me, it is better to move, to go and see something, so that a normal city is nearby.
Where would you like to visit: childhood dream?
I had a dream to visit Italy. She was really, really big. I was in Milan last summer for only three days. I really want to go to Rome.
So are you a football fan?
no, just hockey (laughs).
Maxim Valerievich Shalunov
Career: "Tractor" - 2010-2013; "Chelmet" - 2012-2013; "Rockford Ice Hogs" - 2013-2014; "Toledo Wallai" - 2013-2014; "Siberia" - 2014-present
Achievements: Bronze medalist of the Youth World Championships (2011), Bronze medalist of the MFM (2013)