Artur Tyanulin, a forward for the Sochi hockey club, spoke about his dedication to improving skating in an interview conducted around the latest season. He emphasized that skating is a foundational element of his game and a prerequisite for competing at the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) level.
According to Tyanulin, noticeable progress on the ice comes from consistent work in training and an intense summer routine. He explained that if a player is short on speed and lacks edge control, a future in the KHL becomes unlikely. He underscored the need for hard work both during on-ice sessions and in the gym, with fitness and technique playing pivotal roles in sustaining performance throughout a demanding season.
Standing at 174 centimeters, the 26-year-old forward has appeared in 35 matches this KHL season, contributing 9 goals and 19 assists. Sochi currently sits near the lower end of the Western Conference standings after 40 games, highlighting the team’s ongoing battle to climb the table.
Looking ahead, Sochi is set to face SKA St. Petersburg in their upcoming fixture. The match is scheduled for December 19 and is expected to begin at 19:30 Moscow time. This clash pits a team seeking momentum against the formidable SKA lineup, potentially shaping the final standings in the stretch run of the season.
In other league developments, coach Vladimir Krikunov recently commented on Ilya Kovalchuk’s decision to return to Spartak, adding another layer to the ongoing discussions about player movements and team strategies within the KHL.
Notes: This summary reflects statements attributed to Tyanulin and publicly reported team context as of the current season. For readers following Russian hockey, the emphasis on skating as a core skill aligns with broader evaluations of player development and professional longevity in the KHL. Source: contemporary sports coverage