Yegor Rykov: "There was an excellent atmosphere at the World Junior Championship"

- When you were younger, did you ever think that you would play at the World Junior Championship and be a SKA player?

- I was five when my father introduced me to ice hockey, I could never imagine that those things would happen to me.

- Which defenseman was your idol?

- Taking into account only Russian players, Andrei Markov.

- Do you have any ice hockey superstitions?

- Yes, in fact I'm a very superstitious person. However, I won't give my ice hockey secrets away.

- Impressions from the World Junior Championship?

- Just like last year, there was a great atmosphere. Our fans were at the stadiums, they even sent us nice messages on the internet. Everything was similar to SKA: we ate, rested and then got ready for games. Thanks to everyone who prepared our dressing room too.

- You earned seven points at the tournament. Which one was the most memorable?

- My goal against Canada. Danil Yurtaykin joined the rush, he gave me a pass and my shot was deflected in. I got a bit lucky.

- Out of the entire team, who is the next world star?

- Kirill Kaprizov. He was a captain both in the dressing room and on the ice. He proved his worth not just with words, but with his performances too. Denis Guryanov was excellent, especially in the playoffs. We were a united team.

- What will you take away with you from working alongside Valery Bragin?

- After working with him for two years, my attitude towards ice hockey has changed. I always listen to what he has to say. He manages to find the required words.

- Now, SKA will play against CSKA in Moscow.

- I feel nervous before the game, but I will try to be calmer.