Nikita Okhotyuk – one of those NHL players that 90% of fans won’t recognize by sight if they walk by on the street. He comes from Chelyabinsk and the defender is not the most popular role. He didn’t play much in the Russian national team, although he was captain at junior level. He left very early for North America, playing in leagues that are not followed in Russia. And now he plays in the NHL for New Jersey, but has only played 14 games.
Nikita just didn’t have time to remember. However, he has already managed to score two NHL goals. Who is Okhotyuk? Why don’t we know? Let’s get acquainted!
“We decided a long time ago as a family to fly abroad”
– Nikita, you left for North America at the age of 16 and left a successful hockey school in Chelyabinsk. How did you decide that?
– When the conversations started about the fact that there was a possibility of leaving, we weighed everything at length in the family council. It is clear that at the age of 16, not only I made the decision, but also mom and dad.
We had a real family council around the table. We reasoned and thought about how hard it would be for parents to let their son go somewhere. Yes, and I thought of the unknown.
And then he was drafted into the OHL. I was chosen by the Ottawa 67s, the team suited me. The coach and the general manager followed me, knew me, I spoke to them.
And we made a decision, “That’s it, let’s go.” And before leaving, all the staff has changed in the team. New people have arrived, no one really knows me. Again, I had to think. Is it worth it? In the end, we decided: why not give it a try, if there is such an opportunity.
– Is it true that until the ninth grade, you wondered if you should go to school or play hockey?
– The first four classes I studied at Lycée Mathématique. Then I changed teams – I went from the school of Sergei Makarov to Traktor. Then he changed schools. And then there was a choice: study or play hockey. I then chose professional sport.
In the sixth and seventh years, another level went, the calls to the national team. My parents understood that I had the data and the possibility to play. And we bet more on hockey. At the same time, I did not leave school, I studied as much as possible. I just started leaving a lot, and my performance went down a bit. I missed a lot.
– Have you thought about studying in the United States, combining it with hockey?
Now I am more focused on sports. But there are such thoughts, and I try to develop myself, to take courses so that certain knowledge remains in my head.
“Panarin is very nice, on jokes and gags”
“You have already met Artemy Panarin in New York. How was it ?
We had a preseason game with the New York Rangers. And there – Vitaly Kravtsov, he is also from Chelyabinsk, we played together. In the summer, we sometimes talk, go to restaurants.
I wrote to him after the game: “I’m waiting, go out.” Kravtsov appears, and next to him is Panarin. Calm, approached, introduced himself: “Artemy …” He shook her hand, and there was no awkwardness in communication. Sociable jokes, funny, very nice person. And a very good hockey player. When you play against him, you have to be ready. Because it passes with a clumsy, and you will never read it. He gives excellent transmissions.
– And how did you and Alexander Ovechkin meet in the control match? Does he communicate with the Russians on the opposing team?
We didn’t exchange words in this game. Maybe he didn’t even realize I was playing there. Once on the ice, he tried to meet me…
– How’s the shot?
— I rolled with the puck. I saw Ovechkin coming. He gave the pass and took the hit. It was not a great success. But I felt its power. I saw Ovechkin, I was ready for an energetic reception. He banged on the counter. Regular players feel it. But Alexander only staggered, and I myself flew away.
“I will not throw the puck like that”
– In two seasons in the NHL, you scored two goals.
– Yes, when we played against Los Angeles, we managed to score, and even the winning goal. These are beautiful times. Everyone wants to score more. But I don’t really think about it. If there’s a moment to join the attack, take a shot, create a scoring chance, then I will. But if for that it will be necessary to risk the defense, I will not start. I’m not that kind of player.
You only landed ten shots in two seasons. Why so little?
– So I say: if I have the puck and I have a line to shoot, then I will throw it. But deliberately dragging the puck out of your zone, throwing it randomly – at this level you shouldn’t do that. My NHL career is just beginning. There will come a time when I will cast more often.
Are you inspired by the Devils’ best defenseman, Dougie Hamilton? We don’t talk about it often…
– First of all, you pay attention to his composure. He is very calm. Gets the puck and makes no extra moves. Do not panic when two players cling to it. He calmly understands the moment and is not dismissed.
Hamilton is also very attacking. He knows how to open, where to connect. Being on a penny or appearing in front of an empty corner somewhere to end up. He also has a good shot. Did you see him score in overtime with Pittsburgh? It’s impressive!
“I haven’t noticed the Mafia in New Jersey yet”
Who was the hottest in the New Jersey locker room last season?
“Probably PK Subban. He always wore extravagant costumes. First, he didn’t go to change, but entered the locker room. I heard he did it on purpose to make everyone like his costume.
– After all, he started his career in tandem with Andrei Markov.
– Last season, I just played in tandem with Subban. He is already a veteran, constantly incited, joked. We have a good relationship and I’m happy to have been able to play with him.
Three years ago, when there was COVID and there were no games, Subban and I trained in New Jersey. Even then, we started to communicate, and before training camp, PK gave me some advice. When Subban announced he was ending his career, I wrote to him and congratulated him. And he answered me. Despite the fact that he is a great media personality, he is also a very good person.
How is life in New Jersey? Is there an Italian mafia like in The Sopranos?
To be honest, I haven’t had time to follow it yet. I focus only on hockey, on weekends I go out somewhere for dinner, for a walk. I live near a place that looks more like a small European town. There are Italian restaurants there. I haven’t noticed the Mafia yet.
– Are you renting an apartment?
– It’s an apartment hotel. The cost is on the NHL team because I got called up from the AHL and I’ve already rented an apartment in Utica. I will do everything not to leave this hotel and continue to play in the NHL.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
