Artur Faizov: “Radulov is constantly shouting something on the ice; that’s his usual state”

KHL Adaptation and Physical Transformation

“The only component that causes minor difficulties at the KHL level is the speed of decision-making”

Q: What helped you score 14 goals in just a month and a half at the start of the MHL season?
A: I prepared very well for the season. I constantly worked in the shooting zone, trained in the gym and on the ice, focusing on core strength and leg power. I couldn`t do this last season because of the finger injury. So, I don`t see my result as surprising.

Q: Has your weight changed significantly?
A: Yes, I really trimmed down. Last year, I gained weight while recovering from the operation, but this summer, I shed about ten kilograms. I went from 92 kg to 82 kg. Now I feel light on the ice; I’m faster and can shoot harder.

Q: Has physical play become harder?
A: Of course. I feel resistance from opponents during collisions, but I don`t have problems with physical battles. They hit hard in the KHL too, but not like in the VHL. Here, the players are more skilled and play smarter.

Q: After scoring 21 points in 15 games for Tolpar, did you expect the KHL call-up?
A: Yes, I thought about it. I was hoping for a call-up last season too, but the long rehabilitation after breaking my finger prevented me from debuting in the KHL.

The Cost of Injury and Rehabilitation

Q: How did you sustain this injury, and why did it take so long to recover?
A: I prefer not to talk about exactly how I got it. I`ll just say it happened off the ice. I was injured before moving to Salavat Yulaev, back in the winter of 2024. I was operated on immediately, but the finger remained crooked and continued to hurt badly, so I had a second surgery on July 7th. After that, I couldn`t do any arm exercises—I only ran. The doctors said I had to develop the finger from scratch. It couldn`t even bend then. Every evening throughout the season, I went for rehabilitation. My parents spent a lot of money on my recovery. I worked on my wrist for months, strengthening my forearm to maintain a strong grip and not lose my shot. Because of the injury, I prepared poorly and struggled through that season.

The Unexpected Call-Up

Q: Was the KHL call-up unexpected?
A: Very much so. The day after the game against AKM-Novomoskovsk, where I scored a hat-trick, Tolpar was traveling to Yaroslavl by bus. Suddenly, during a stop at a gas station, the team manager woke me up with a call. He said: “Alright, let`s decide on a number. We`re calling you up to Salavat Yulaev; get ready.” As soon as we hung up, the guys came over and said the coach was calling me. He told me: “Get your sticks out of your bag—you’re being taken to the KHL.” It was unexpected, especially since I was still sleepy during all this news. I was driven to Domodedovo Airport, and we flew to Ufa with Devin Broisso. We landed very late, around three in the morning, and were scheduled to play against Traktor that afternoon. I quickly settled in, slept three or four hours, had the morning skate, and slept again afterward. The team welcomed me wonderfully. When I was getting dressed as the 13th forward, Head Coach Viktor Nikolaevich Kozlov asked how I felt, explained the tactics, and told me to play it simply. My first shift in the KHL was fantastic! I was really eager to get on the ice. The only nervousness I felt was before the rookie lap. I thought: “Just don`t fall and hit the net.” Of course, I wanted to score in my first game for Salavat Yulaev, but I understood that the priority was following the coach`s instructions, and personal goals had to take a back seat.

Q: Four games with points—was that luck or fast adaptation?
A: I think fast adaptation led to that result. Everyone at Salavat Yulaev treats young players well and supports each other; it’s a great group to be in. Everyone has equal rights; no one puts themselves above others. I have a good relationship with Sasha Zharovsky; we are always together, and his presence on the first team also played a good role in my adaptation. Nothing phased me at the new level. I simply capitalized on my chances, and my partners and my calmness on the ice helped me achieve that.

Q: Why did you lose consistency in the KHL after your breakthrough at the end of October?
A: I was looking for the answer to that question, too. The lack of points weighed on my mind, but I couldn`t figure out the reason. I still had chances; the puck just wasn`t going in.

Q: Where did you find it harder initially: in the VHL at 17, or the KHL at 19?
A: I found it very easy to step into the KHL because I had a good summer preparation and was physically strong by 19. The only component that causes minor difficulties at this level is the speed of decision-making. I`m working on that in every practice.

Team Dynamics and Young Talent

Q: What helps Salavat Yulaev adapt to new circumstances, including financial nuances?
A: The situation arising from the financial issues gives young players more opportunities to break into the KHL. Salavat Yulaev is a young team, and everyone understands where we stand. A large number of young players is our advantage, not a disadvantage.

Q: After playing center for six years, was it difficult to transition to wing?
A: I find it easier to play on the wing, so I didn`t have to adjust much. The center is the brain of the line; they have to be everywhere—creating offense and covering defensively. That`s a difficult role. I find it easier to drive to the net.

Q: Who do you consider the strongest young players in the KHL?
A: If we name them by birth year, I’d highlight Egor Surin (2006), Sasha Zharovsky (2007), and 100% Misha Ilyin (2005).

Q: What is Zharovsky`s phenomenon?
A: He is talented, calm, and very confident; he plays without any fuss. Zharovsky is great at slowing the game down and setting the pace he wants. I don`t understand how he manages it. It’s very hard to take the puck away from him. I felt that when we played against each other during warm-ups. Many compare Sasha to Demidov, but I think they are players with different styles. Vanya’s skating is very impressive—those `circles` he makes… He beats opponents with his turns and agility.

The Move to Ufa and Coaching under Kozlov

“Viktor Nikolaevich Kozlov was a player who knew and could do everything, and now he is the same kind of coach”

Q: Did you already know in May 2024 that you wouldn`t stay with Yugra?
A: Yes, that’s right. Spartak really wanted to buy me; they were first in line, but I refused and chose Salavat Yulaev. The negotiations lasted a long time. I know the Muscovites called Ufa and tried to negotiate for me. In the end, everything was resolved very late, in mid-August. When Spartak called me, I immediately said I wasn`t eager to play for them. I am from Ishimbay, which is only two hours from Ufa, so I decided to return to my native home. They had tried to acquire me in the summer of 2023, but Yugra refused then.

Q: Why were you so against Spartak?
A: There were already many young players there, and Salavat Yulaev attracted me more in terms of contract and conditions. Everything is set up for development in Ufa. In Mamonty Yugry, for example, there was no physical training coach, but Tolpar has one, and a very good one at that. My overall vision of hockey changed with the move here; it`s a more mobile style. The Salavat Yulaev system has a vertical structure, raising young players to new levels and giving them chances to play everywhere.

Q: Did the late transfer to Salavat Yulaev complicate the adaptation process?
A: Very much so. That summer, I missed training camp; I just trained at home with a painful finger. After recovering from the surgery, I felt I had gained a lot of mass. This also complicated adaptation to the new team because the pre-season is when players lay the foundation for the entire championship. I consider the 2024/2025 season a failure overall. I understood that I was bought for a significant sum, so the coaches and management expected great results, but due to poor summer preparation, I couldn`t deliver.

Q: What are your impressions of working with Viktor Kozlov?
A: I really enjoy working under his leadership; Viktor Nikolaevich is a true professional. He was a player who knew and could do everything, and now he is the same kind of coach. I like his understanding of where and how we should play. During games, Viktor Nikolaevich occasionally gives advice to me and the other guys regarding different game situations, but Vladimir Vladimirovich Potapov talks more with the young players.

Idols: MMA and Hockey

“Radulov has been my idol since childhood, and the game against Lokomotiv was special”

Q: Is it true that as a child you were choosing between boxing and hockey?
A: I love MMA and UFC. As a kid, I really liked Mike Tyson. I started skating following my older brother, who also played hockey. I started doing well right away and stayed with hockey.

Q: Did you follow anyone besides Tyson?
A: Later, I started watching Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, in the UFC, I`m a fan of Chimaev. I also like Islam Makhachev, but I still consider Khamzat the best modern fighter. In my opinion, he would handle both Nurmagomedov (in his prime) and Makhachev.

Q: Who do you consider the best active boxer?
A: Gervonta Davis is very good. I prefer Ryan Garcia`s style, but a couple of years ago, he lost to Davis, so I’ll name Davis.

Q: And who are your hockey idols?
A: Radulov has been my idol since childhood. I also really like Dinyak and McDavid. If I had to choose one, I’d name Connor. I started following him at a conscious age, and I`ve watched Nikita since the time he and Voronkov came to Ak Bars. The match against Lokomotiv was special for me. I was looking forward to meeting Radulov, but during the game, I tried to detach myself from my admiration because there should be no idols or friends on the ice.

Q: Is Alexander in person the same as on TV?
A: Yes, he has crazy energy! Radulov is constantly talking and shouting something on the ice; that`s his usual state.

Fighting and Off-Ice Life

Q: Do you still have wrestling or boxing skills?
A: I seriously pursued them in childhood for self-defense. Now I sometimes hit the punching bag in the gym, but without sparring. I have a good punch. I stopped practicing wrestling because I am now a professional hockey player and need to be very careful with anything injury-prone.

Q: Have you fought often in your professional career?
A: A couple of times. The first fight was last November during a game against Auto. I got a three-game suspension and a fine for that. The second time I dropped the gloves was last summer during the preseason. I rarely fought as a kid, maybe just team vs. team. I’m not a tough guy, but I am always ready to stand up for myself or my teammates.

Q: What were you suspended for three games for?
A: Our guy was hit from behind in the neutral zone, he curled up, and they almost finished him off. My partner and I immediately rushed over, a scuffle started, an opponent grabbed my jersey, I quickly knocked him down, and started hitting him with elbows and hands. The referee was pulling us apart, and in the video, it looks like my skate hits near his neck. I was fined and suspended for that leg movement, although I didn`t do it intentionally; it was just inertia.

Q: Was winning that fight a result of your wrestling experience?
A: Possibly. Actually, fighting on the ice has a completely different specificity. I studied this: I watched the movie “Goon” and videos from an NHL enforcer who explained where to grab the opponent so they can`t reach your face during punches.

Q: What do you do in your free time away from hockey?
A: In the summer, I enjoy fishing or hunting. During the season, I focus completely on recovery. Regarding nutrition, I don’t overeat—I maintain my weight because gaining even two kilograms affects my game form. I don`t count calories, but I eat exactly what I need day after day.