Seeing the fan signs with my number and name is very cool | Ilya Karpukhin comments on the first game of Russia 25 in Chelyabinsk

— I am full of great emotions. We began with shutout win. It is cool. I haven't been playing hockey since February. It took some time to get into the game and feel momentum. Everything is great.

What are the difference between playing for your KHL team and for the national team?
More or less it is all the same. Here the hockey is slightly more aggressive. But nothing is new for me. I know how to do it here. Of course, there are some details that should be kept in mind but I didn't have any problems with that.

Who supported you at the game today? Who cheered for you?
All my loved ones were at the game. All the Arena showed their support which was very nice. Seeing the fan signs with my name and number is very cool and amazing. It motivated me.