Elite Hockey Academy is proud to recognize Mazhit Imashev, a member of our 18U Academy team, for his recent achievement representing Kazakhstan at the IIHF World Junior Championships – Division I Group A.
To give our community an inside look at his journey, we asked Mazhit a series of questions about his hockey background, his experience with the U20 national team, and what he learned competing at the international level. Here’s what he had to say:
Full Interview with Mazhit Imashev
Background & Motivation
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background in hockey and how you got started in the sport?
A: I started my hockey journey at five years old. My father took me to the rink, and it helped channel my endless energy into skating. From that moment on, after joining the Barys Academy, I played in many different tournaments – starting across Kazakhstan and continuing with tournaments in Russia. As a kid, I competed in events like the Gazprom Cup, UTLC Cup, and many others.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in hockey, and how did you feel about making it to the U20 national team?
A: Making it to the U20 national team was a great honor. I wanted to give one hundred percent of my abilities, driven by my love for the game and my desire to constantly improve. Playing alongside friends and teammates with whom I started my hockey journey – and representing our country together while chasing the same goal of winning – was an incredible opportunity. I am truly thankful to everyone who believed in me.
Team Experience
Q: How was the overall experience of representing Kazakhstan at the U20 level?
A: Overall, the experience of representing Kazakhstan was very positive. I played two friendly games and five games at the championship, and it was a great honor to play for my homeland. I felt a strong sense of responsibility on my shoulders, and I truly enjoyed it. Singing the national anthem after victories was something I always did with pride and love for my country. It also meant a lot to see that people who know me were happy and proud of my achievements.
Games & Challenges
Q: Can you share a memorable game or moment from your time with the U20 team that stands out to you?
A: Although every game and the entire tournament were important and full of memorable moments, the most significant moment for our team was when we came back from a 0-4 deficit and defeated Austria. That victory earned us second place and was an extremely emotional and unforgettable moment for the whole team.
On a personal level, a moment that stands out was scoring a goal against Norway. We were losing by a large margin, and many players were feeling down, but I didn’t lose confidence. When I stepped onto the ice, I was full of energy, and that helped me score with a strong wrist shot against the Norwegian goaltender.
Q: What were some challenges you faced during the tournaments, and how did you overcome them?
A: The main challenge for me was the responsibility of representing my country. It was a big responsibility, but I was able to overcome it thanks to the support of my family and my teammates, which helped me stay confident and focused.
Personal Growth
Q: What lessons or insights did you gain from this experience that you believe will benefit you moving forward?
A: I learned the value of teamwork, trusting my teammates, staying focused on the right things, and doing everything possible to show my best. These lessons will help me face challenges and succeed in the future.
Relationships & Team Dynamics
Q: Can you talk about the relationships you built with your teammates and coaching staff during the tournaments?
A: Before and during the tournament, we trained a lot and knew what to expect from each other on the ice. I really appreciated the support from my teammates and the coaching staff – encouraging each other after mistakes and giving advice. We also had video reviews and team activities with a sports psychologist before the tournament. I’ve known many of the players since childhood, and it was really special to play with them again.
Q: How did the team’s chemistry impact your performance and the overall success of the team?
A: Hockey is, first and foremost, a team sport, and the outcome of a game depends on how well the team works together. It starts with trusting your teammates and playing in a way that supports each other. It also involves standing up for a teammate when they are in trouble on the ice and preventing goals when playing shorthanded. Performing your role in the team and helping lead the team to victory is very important. Actions like drawing a penalty or blocking a shot are always valuable contributions to the team’s success.
Advice for Young Players
Q: What advice would you give to young players aspiring to represent their country at the national level?
A: Always play with enjoyment, believe in yourself, and be a team player.
Q: How important is dedication and hard work in achieving your goals?
A: It is very important to be the one who works the hardest, to never make excuses, and to always do what needs to be done – not just what you feel like doing.
Closing Thoughts
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences with the U20 national team or your hockey career?
A: This was the first time in my life that I played for the national team. It has been a long journey, and not everything always went as planned, but I kept working toward my goal. After playing for the national team this year, I feel even more desire and motivation to represent it again next season.
I would also like to express my thanks to my parents for giving me the opportunity to play and study abroad with a team like Elite Hockey Academy, which helps me improve both on the ice and academically. I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who is working hard, just like I am, to achieve their goals.