There is looks to be a close fight among four teams for the last two playoff spots for the rest of the season. Csíkszereda picked up two important wins this past match week, a 2-1 OT win against Dunaújváros and a 4-3 win against Debrecen. Scoring the goal to send the game into overtime against DAB and the game winner against Debrecen, Nikita Mironov is this week’s Player of the Week.
Mironov comes from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia and started his youth hockey career in the local club Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. We didn’t have to go far to play junior hockey as he spent three seasons with the local MHL team Chaika Nizhny Novgorod where he was teammates with current Debrecen defenseman Yevgeni Kunayev.
Mironov joined Csíkszereda after the start of the season once Artur Oktyabrev was hired as the coach of SC Csíkszereda. Despite his small size he is a quick skater that can get the job done as he has six point in the eight MOL League games that he has this season, with three goals and one assist in the past two. Nikita took time out of his busy day to answer a couple of questions.
What is you opinion about the MOL League and the style of play in the league?
This is my first season in a senior league, I think it's good that I found myself in a league like this. This is a faster hockey, more stringent power moves, there are some very technical players, I think I can get a good experience playing at MOL League.
What kind of player would you describe yourself?
I do not know how I can describe yourself, I'm not tall, but I think I'm fast enough. I play with full intensity and I have been told that I play somewhat angry, I just love to play hockey and really enjoy the game.
Why did you leave the MHL for Csíkszereda?
I left the MHL because I was too old, players my age can no longer play in the championship since it is a junior league. My agent called me and said that I was offered a contract by SC Csíkszereda and I agreed.
What advantages are there to playing for a Russian coach?
I find it easier to play with a Russian coach because I know what he wants to see in the game, I understand the scheme, the goals and objectives that he has for the team.
How do you like playing in the town of Csíkszereda?
I think it's a good city, and I came to a good team. I like to play in this team, all the guys are friendly, there are a lot of Russian players therefore the move from Russia to me was not that big of a deal. I think we have the best fans in the league, they are very supportive of the team, many recognize us and welcome us in the streets this is very nice. I feel comfortable here, I love the view of the mountains outside of the arena.