Nikolay Belov: "Here you have to earn the right to be in the squad"

- How did you find out that you had been transferred to SKA?

- My agent sent me a text message, stating that I wouldn’t play in Neftekhimik’s next game as I was moving to SKA. Of course it was unexpected. And as I was told at night, it ruined my night’s sleep.

- At the start of the season you were injured, but how do you feel now?

- I feel great. But still my physical form could be better – it turned out that I missed practically the whole pre-season. I spent six weeks in a cast, and then three weeks later I started playing. I feel that I need to improve my condition.

- Have you ever been on a tourist’s trip to Saint Petersburg?

- No. When I was younger I came here for youth tournaments, and then for KHL games. I have never been able to come here for a holiday.

- Do you know anyone in the team already?

- I know practically everyone – I met with some in the Russian national team, and with some others when on holiday. However there are players with whom I am not yet familiar.

- But probably you know the goalkeeping coach Maxim Sokolov well.

- Of course. He was Neftekhimik’s goalkeeper when I was a defenceman there. After games he gave me both praise and criticism, but nevertheless it was fun with him in the team.

- Your number in SKA will be 44, just like in Neftekhimik. Does it hold any special meaning for you?

- I don’t know if it’s special, but it’s been my number for seven seasons, so it’s just got stuck to me. And if it’s unoccupied – why not take it again.

- Are you an attacking defenceman?

- I like to sit back more – in Nizhnekamsk the team had more a defensive game, not playing open hockey.

- When you were told about the transfer, were you happy about joining SKA, or sad as a result of leaving your club of seven seasons?

- That’s a difficult question. It’s nice when a top level team signs you. It’s clear, that here you have to earn the right to be in the squad. It was a bit sad to leave Nizhnekamsk – I spent seven seasons there, and I got used to being in the city – I have friends there. And it’s especially depressing when you have to pack your things up in just one night. But overall I am happy.

- How have your already ex-teammates reacted to your move?

- They wished me luck, and Gleb Klimenko said that he will support me – probably he’s a bit jealous.

- You have already played in the Ice Palace – what impressions did the arena and fans leave you with?

- The support here is excellent. It’s always nice to play in cities where there are such supporters. In Saint Petersburg there is always a great show for the fans. Overall, everything’s great.