Pavel Kukshtel: "I'm progressing and gaining confidence in every match"

HC SKA forward Pavel Kukshtel:

- It was a good match. We had a lot of chances, but we couldn't capitalise on them, unfortunately. The main thing is that we won.

- How do you feel on the ice for SKA? Severstal Cherepovets had a lot of debutants in their squad today.

- I'm progressing and gaining confidence in every game. I knew that they had a lot of new KHL players in their team, but I think that they had even more energy because of that factor.

- Was it tougher to have a good mindset for this match considering Severstal's squad selections?

- No, we respect every opponent. Taking into account that it was their first match at this level, we expected Severstal's players to compete aggressively. We were fully prepared mentally.

- What are your personal goals for this season?

- To play for the senior team on a permanent basis, help the team and win the Gagarin Cup.