Kirill Fastovsky, the former general manager of Sibir, has weighed in on Ak Bars’ unexpected journey to the Gagarin Cup Final. The team defeated Metallurg 4-1 in the semifinals to secure their spot.
Did you expect Ak Bars and Lokomotiv to face off in the Gagarin Cup Final?
Not at all. Ak Bars completely upset expectations. In preseason predictions, Lokomotiv was already among the contenders because they’ve won the Cup before and know how to close out series. But no one mentioned Kazan. People talked about Avangard, Metallurg, Dinamo Minsk, and Avtomobilist, while Ak Bars were overlooked. They didn’t get the attention they deserved, and honestly, their early-season play wasn’t convincing. And look where they are now. That’s the beauty of hockey.
What do you think triggered Ak Bars’ transformation?
Anvar Rafailovich Gatiyatulin gradually stuck to his vision, even though it wasn’t without conflicts (remember the situation with Yashkin). He built his system step by step. What he managed to create is a balanced team that can switch tactics mid-game, play both attacking and defensive hockey, and even lock down completely if needed.
Early in the season, Bilyalov, Lyamkin, and others weren’t at their best, but as the championship went on, the team grew in confidence, and the leaders proved their quality. What impresses me most about Ak Bars is that true masculine character. The leaders—including Yashkin—swallowed their pride, changed their roles, yet remained impactful and driven.
Would you say Anvar Gatiyatulin has been underestimated as a coach?
Not at all. Over the past few years, he always had offers from various clubs. Gatiyatulin keeps growing as a specialist and winning the competition.
But he was fired from Traktor…
He took his lumps, but how else do you become a winning coach? He developed, went on an internship in Vancouver, and it’s great that a person wants to improve and evolve.
There’s something people often overlook. We always talk about the head coach’s role and personality, but without a well-chosen coaching staff, there’s no result. It’s critical to find like-minded, knowledgeable assistants who don’t just stay silent or follow orders blindly, but give advice and actively contribute to the team’s development.
In that regard, Gatiyatulin, in my opinion, did an ideal job. It brings us back to the days of successful duos like Bykov-Zakharkin or Znarok-Vitolinsh. I always appreciate when a coaching staff generates ideas and brings them to life.
Does Konstantin Shafranov play a big role in Ak Bars’ coaching team?
Both Konstantin Shafranov and Alexander Makritsky have vast experience in hockey. They are top-level specialists, and each could be a head coach. But Gatiyatulin invited them, and that was a very smart move—he united them.
Ultimately, the whole club wins, and the management did an excellent job too. That’s the key to Ak Bars’ success, Fastovsky concluded.
