Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk forward Yuri Platonov talks about playing for Team Russia, combining hockey with his studies and much more.

- Stalnye Lisy made the playoffs and got home ice advantage for the opening round. How are you getting ready for the most important part of the season?

- After a tough road trip we were given a few days off. As soon as we go back to practices, we’re going to work very hard to go as deep in the playoffs as possible. Obviously, it’s a good thing that we begin the playoffs with home advantage. After all, we’re going to play at our rink and in front of our fans.

- You made your debut for U17 Team Russia this year. How did you like your first tournament with the team?

- It wasn’t a very good tournament for our team. All of the games were tough and we weren’t getting much luck. It was interesting for me to play at that level. I even managed to score my first goal for Team Russia. You always want to play for your country as much as possible.

- How are you able to combine hockey with your studies? After all, you’re on a tight schedule with all those practices and road trips…

- Hockey consumes a lot of time but I do my best to combine it with my studies. In my spare time I try my best to catch up on my reading and get ready for the upcoming SATs.

- Have you decided on university yet?

- Nothing is set yet but I plan to apply to Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University.

- Many reporters and even fans refer to you as ‘Denis Platonov’s son’. Does that put any pressure on you?

- It doesn’t put any pressure on me. On the contrary, I’m proud of my last name!

- Sergei Mozyakin said many times that his dream is to play one day with his son Andrei. Do you dream of playing with your father one day?

- Of course. I want to play with my dad very much. It’s one of my short-term goals.