Former Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk captain Yegor Korobkin looks back at his emotions after appearing in his first KHL games, fan support, years spent in JHL and names a place who would to go to for his next vacation.

- Your junior career turned out to be rather vivid. What is the most memorable JHL moment for you?
- I can think of many interesting events related to JHL but, I guess, 2018 JHL Challenge Cup was the most memorable moment for me. After that game I got the chance to participate in KHL All-Star Game.

- Would you say that making it to KHL All-Star tournament and scoring a goal there helped with your development?
- Yes, of course. It gave me extra motivation. I set a goal for myself to make another All-Star appearance but as a member of KHL team that time! Right after that game I was called up to practice with Metallurg and even played one official game but I am yet to become a regular on the team.

- How did you feel before making your KHL debut?
- It was an unforgettable feeling. I was really nervous. I remember all five minutes that I played in that game. It was all a blur. I was watching the game at home afterwards, thinking to myself, “What am I doing? Why am I skating that way?” (laughs).

- What was the biggest challenge switching from junior hockey to JHL?
- It’s a very difficult question. I can’t even give you a right answer. I look back at my debut JHL season, and I can tell you that it was very difficult and substantially different from my last year in junior hockey school. We were given a whole new set of goals, got more responsible for our actions, the demands got bigger – they wanted us, forwards, to get back on defense, which was something we weren’t used to in junior hockey school (laughs).

- You captained Stalnye Lisy. How important was that capital C on your crest?
- The C wasn’t all that important, because it’s not what makes you a captain. For me, team result was important.

- What qualities must have a captain?
- Perhaps, the most important thing for that person would be having inner integrity.

- You spent all of last season in Kurgan. How difficult is it to be far away from your hometown?
- I left Magnitogorsk for the first time for another city for a whole year. It had never happened in my career before. I guess, you can say it was a challenge for me. It wasn’t the easiest of seasons. VHL hockey is different, it’s not like junior hockey. Besides, all of my relatives remained in Magnitogorsk. I faced new challenges. I had to make my own choices, but, I mean, we all have to grow up some time (laughs).

- So fan support was also an important part for you?
- Of course. Fan support is important for every hockey player. When you’re on the ice, you can feel the energy from the fans. These feelings, these emotions give you strength and push you forward. It’s not fro nothing that they say that fans are the sixth man on the ice.

- You mentioned in one of your interviews that travelling is one of your hobbies. Name three destinations you would recommend visiting.
- I would definitely recommend Sochi. It’s one of my favorites cities in Russia. This year I have opened Asia for myself. I went to Thailand to Phuket. I was surprised how I loved the place. I was also impressed by the Red Sea. I have never seen such a wonderful undersea world.

- Is there a place you would like to visit but haven’t got a chance yet?
- I want to visit Italy, eat pizza and pasta, stroll down it’s old streets and enjoy the museums. Hopefully, I will have a chance to go there on my next vacation.

- Aside from travelling, how do you like to spend your spare time?
- I’m really into Chinese tea, tea ceremonies, get together with my friends and talk for hours over a cup of tea somewhere in the nature or mountains.

- What characteristic would describe you best as a hockey player?
- I think, it’s competitiveness. I never steer away from my goal. I’m persistent and battle hard.

- What JHL team will be a surprise in the upcoming season?
- To be honest with you, I don’t follow Junior Hockey League closely, so I’m not going to make any predictions. I’d like to believe that Stalnye Lisy can win Kharlamov Cup this year. I’m going to root for them.

- What would be your advice to young players, who will make their JHL debut this season?
- Stick their ambitions as far as possible, work harder and spend more time on hockey. It’s very important to listen to you coach and follow his demands. Your coach won’t give you bad advice. That’s the only way to develop and progress.