Artyom Penkovsky: one has to be optimistic and believe in himself

This summer I proposed to my girlfriend

Let’s talk about your summer first. Where did you spend your vacation?
My girlfriend and I went to Vietnam, and we loved it. Nice weather, developed infrastructure, warm sea and a great country in general.

Was there anything that surprised you?
No, not at all. We have been to Asia for the first time, and we saw pretty much everything we thought we would see there. It’s still cool though, monkeys walking around and all that.

So, no roasted coackroaches?
No, nothing of the kind (smiles).

Does it mean you like to have active holidays, like, chasing monkeys?
Actually, it’s the other way around – I like lying on the beach. Chasing monkeys is just for kicks (laughs).

Looking at your accounts in social networks, one could guess that you proposed to your girlfriend. Is Artyom Penkovsky a fully grown man now?
You could certainly say that. I have been thinking long and hard about it, and finally I decided to pop the question. However, I was hundred percent confident in my choice, so it was not that hard to make this decision.

Tell us a little bit about your interests, preferences and hobbies. What do you like to eat, watch etc.?
I have recently become a fan of the Chinese cuisine; my favorite genre of movies is science fiction. As far as the books are concerned, I have just started reading Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons. As for the music, I am a huge music fan; I love everything from classic rock to hip-hop to 90s. Club music is also my favorite

Do you listen to the radio while driving?
Uh-huh. Pop music, that is.

Are you enrolled in university?
Sure, I study at South Ural State University’s economics faculty. It’s my fourth year, and soon enough I am going to be having a diploma defense, so I will have to write a qualification paper. I am going to try and do it all by myself.

Belye Medvedi will get better by each game

A year ago you were shafted from the U20 team Russia roster for the World Championship. Does it still bug you?
From time to time. It was very upsetting. However, a wise man once said ‘What does not kill us makes us stronger’. I drew necessary conclusions, understood why I was left off the roster and let it go. That’s history now.

If you were to prioritize between Traktor and the national team, what would come first?
It’s impossible to say what is more important. When I was called to the national team, I wanted to make it to the World Championship. When I am in Traktor, I want to help my team as best I can.

Last year, Belye Medvedi once again fell just short of the coveted Kharlamov Cup. This year, the young’uns will have to grow up before they start making splashes. With that said, what is your take on the decision to send Sharov and Co to Traktor and Chelmet and completely reorganize Medvedi’s roster?
I think it’s a great decision. Chelmet is now much younger, and it’s a great platform to gain needed experience. Belye Medvedi’s roster had a great core, and now they are in for bigger and better things in VHL and KHL. Now, Traktor’s junior team is full of talented 17- and 18-year-olds; where they are now is not their ceiling. They will be getting better by each game.

You have the experience of playing in three different leagues: MHL, VHL and KHL. Compare the three leagues in a couple of words.
MHL is somewhat erratic: get the puck, throw it in, shoot it. VHL is better in this regard, although the players there are still less talented than in the KHL where the best Russian players like Mozyakin, Zaripov and Radulov get to show their skills.

I always try to be positive about things

What is your biggest dream?
If you are asking about hockey it’s being in Traktor and in KHL. Somewhere down the line, I would love to try myself in the NHL. Other than hockey, I want to buy a house on the seashore, with nothing around me but the sand and the sea.

How about Vietnam once you hang the skates?
Hey, why not (smiles)! I would have stayed there for a while.

It’s now a popular trend when people move to Vietnam or Thailand during the winter.
It’s only reasonable because people do not like winter cold, so they move to where it is warmer in the winter. We, hockey players, do not have a chance to do just that because the regular season is in full swing during the winter. When I decide to call it a career, then I will get the opportunity to travel around the world and see other places. Traveling is a lot of fun.

Couple years back, you revealed your secret of how to stay optimistic. Has anything changed?
Not much. I still try to be positive and optimistic about things. You can’t keep a smile all the time, but it’s not necessary. What you have to do is stay upbeat and optimistic, even if you keep growing older.

What things can make you happy on the scale of one day?
A good night of sleep, a Traktor win, and a positive attitude!