Alexei Kruchinin: "I was ready to make the move to SKA"

- How did you spend your summer holidays?

- When the season finished, my family and I travelled to Turkey for two weeks. After that, went to visit our grandparents in the Kavkaz region and in Crimea. Now I am in Saint Petersburg preparing for the season.

- When did you find out that you were moving to SKA?

- There were a lot of rumours, so I was ready for anything. I found out when I was in the Kavkaz region, Traktor contacted me and then SKA gave me a call. I have been ready for this transfer for a long time. I am coming home - the weather is good, Saint Petersburg is great, my family are here and I'm in an excellent mood.

- A lot of changes are ongoing for SKA. Is this important for you?

- In the past, I only spent half a season with SKA's senior KHL team. Today, it was my first time at the Hockey City complex. Since I was last here, a lot has changed. I need to do a lot here, including finding a flat. I am starting from the beginning again.

- Will it be tough making SKA's roster?

- It should be difficult. There are a lot of good players here, the competition is high. Nevertheless, everything will depend on me.

- Will the matches against Traktor Chelyabinsk be special?

- Yes, I think so. I played in Chelyabinsk for a long time, I will have plenty of emotions when I play there again.

- Anvar Gatiyatulin, the former Traktor boss, is now working in the SKA coaching staff. Is this a plus for you?

- Of course! We know each other well. He will help me if required.

- Are you familiar with any of SKA's current squad?

- I have known Alexander Barabanov for a number of years, I'm in good relations with Alexander Dergachyov. I am familiar with about half of the team, there aren't any problems. Yesterday, I met Nail Yakupov and today I spoke to Evgeny Ketov and Vasily Tokranov. Everything will be fine.