Denis Kulyash, a former defender who wore the jerseys of Ekaterinburg Avtomobilist, Omsk Avangard and Moscow CSKA during his professional career, spoke candidly in a recent interview about the duties that come with youth in sport. He stated that he does not tolerate bad habits from younger teammates and believes discipline starts long before a player reaches the top level. He described how early choices set the tone for a career, stressing that leadership on a team is built through consistent effort, respect for teammates, and accountability. He described that veterans can guide younger players toward healthy routines, focus, and resilience, pairing toughness with mentorship. He emphasized that a coach’s influence extends beyond tactics to shaping character, work ethic, and the culture of training. The message resonated with those who value structure and genuine development, reminding audiences that progress in hockey comes from reliable habits, not shortcuts. He also noted that disrupting habits can ripple through a squad, affecting training quality, cohesion, and trust. Overall, his stance centers on unwavering discipline, personal responsibility, and the belief that young talents thrive when guided toward constructive routines rather than reckless behavior.
Turning to health and personal choices, Kulyash spoke clearly about risks tied to tobacco use among young players. He pointed out that chewing tobacco has no place in a serious athlete’s life and told how he has watched peers slide into habits that sap stamina and focus. He says he now reinforces the same lesson at home, speaking openly with his children about setting a clean example. Chewing tobacco, he argues, is a costly distraction that drains energy and invites avoidable health issues. He contrasted this with a simple, meaningful alternative—investing time and money in moments that matter, such as flowers for a mother rather than a fleeting vice. He also addressed the issue of alcohol, stating that it is not part of his program or his family’s approach to sport. His stance has earned support from teammates and staff who value accountability, routine, and a steady path for younger players navigating the pressures of elite competition. The core message is straightforward: habits formed in adolescence shape a professional trajectory, and discipline today yields confidence and growth tomorrow.
Today, Kulyash channels his experience into coaching as the head mentor of the Youth Hockey League club Captain, representing the city of Stupino in the Moscow region. In this role he emphasizes technique, resilience, and the importance of character off the ice as much as on it. His career also includes a notable stint abroad with Romanian club Cixereda from 2019 to 2021, where he absorbed a different hockey culture and style of play. He obtained Romanian citizenship in 2020, a detail he notes as a sign of openness to diverse experiences and growth that comes from living and competing outside his homeland. The lessons he shares with younger players aim to cultivate professionalism, consistency, and a sense of responsibility to teammates and the sport. While leagues vary, his core message remains unchanged: personal development must go hand in hand with hockey skills, and leadership is earned through steady effort, patience, and a commitment to improvement.
Earlier reports noted that Traktor hockey players teased Roman Rotenberg after a KHL game, a moment that drew attention to locker room culture and the social dynamics surrounding big matches. Those episodes highlight how rivalry and legacy weave through a team’s season, testing respect, composure, and professionalism. Kulyash’s approach to mentoring young players centers on dignity, teamwork, and the ability to handle pressure with poise, even when tensions flare. The broader point is that the sport’s life extends beyond scorelines, and the relationships among clubs, players, and leadership continue to shape the game long after the final whistle.