Rising through playoff challenges. Alexander Zharovsky’s success story
One of the main revelations of the season’s start is Alexander Zharovsky: in 14 games, the young Salavat Yulaev forward has scored 14 (5+9) points and was named the League’s best rookie in October. Below are Alexander’s own words about his KHL debut, first goal, comparisons with Ivan Demidov, and the KHL 3x3 Championship.
Zharovsky recalls very well the moment his quest with Salavat Yulaev began. “I didn’t expect to be called up to Salavat Yulaev for the playoffs (Zharovsky made his senior team debut on April 21, 2025, in the series against Spartak). Tolpar’s season in the JHL was over, I played in the KHL 3x3 Championship, and suddenly I got the call: “Come over.” Of course, I was happy. During my debut game, I was nervous, but I mostly enjoyed the atmosphere and everything happening. Before the game, it wasn’t clear if I’d actually play—maybe I’d just sit on the bench, maybe get a shift or two.”
Looking back, he reflects on the unexpected start to his first KHL playoff appearance. “I didn’t expect to play in the very first period. At that moment, I didn’t have any special thoughts, I just tried to enjoy the game. Even before the start, I realized I’d be in the lineup because there was a need to fill the young players quota. The first thing I did was tell my parents—they had come to the 3x3 games, were happy for me, and congratulated me.”
Zharovsky then describes the process of adjusting to KHL-level hockey under the intense spotlight of the playoffs. “In the first game, I was still mostly getting used to it, but in the second there were chances—I could have scored, but it just didn’t work out. It took a bit of time to adapt because it was the playoffs, a completely different level of intensity. Then came the series with Lokomotiv—I tried to stick to the game plan, not make mistakes, and help the team in any way I could. What were we missing in that series? We had some injured guys, and with a short bench we just got a bit tired.”
Walking into the top team’s locker room often means facing new challenges as a young player. “When I first walked into Salavat Yulaev’s locker room, I felt awesome emotions. It’s nice to be inside—until then I’d usually just watched KHL games from the stands. And suddenly I was playing myself and part of the team. I had to adapt right in the middle of the playoffs, but it didn’t take much time.
In the summer, it was announced that changes were coming to the club. Of course, that’s not great, but for us young guys, it’s a real chance to establish ourselves and prove we can play. I managed to score right in the first game of the new season: I carried the puck into the zone, after a couple of passes Danil Alalykin gave it to me in front of an open net—all I had to do was shoot high. In the locker room they congratulated me, gave me the puck, and now it’s at home with my other trophies.”
He opens up about the support and guidance he receives from the coaching staff. “I don’t feel any serious pressure because of my new role in the team. I’m really grateful to all the coaches, and especially Viktor Kozlov, for letting me play and trusting me in key situations. Sure, there are mistakes, but they don’t bench us, they just give tips and believe in us. That’s really important for young players. Kozlov gives us very useful advice that helps us grow and improve. It’s cool that you don’t have to be afraid of mistakes—you can enjoy the game and show what you can do.”
Reflecting on rising recognition and comparisons, Zharovsky maintains perspective. “As for the increasing attention, I don’t really follow the news much, don’t read many social media pages. Of course, people send me things and show me stuff, but for me it’s not the main thing—I just do what I love and enjoy it. I’ve heard the comparisons to Ivan Demidov—maybe we are similar. Ivan is in great form, and I’m happy to be compared to him. I hope to play good hockey and achieve big results just like he does. I didn’t make it my goal to fight for Best Rookie—what matters most is the team result. Getting named rookie of the week and month is just a nice bonus, nothing more; I’m grateful to my teammates for that.”
The Salavat Yulaev forward recalls his early experiences with 3x3 hockey and shares advice for the next generation. “Last season I played a few games in the KHL 3x3 Championship, and I liked it—a great experience. It’s something new and unusual. For young players, that format really helps develop your skills: you play a lot in tight spaces on a small rink, it’s more dynamic. If teams’ seasons are over, why not call up players from the KHL and JHL—like Vitaly Pinchuk, who played for Dinamo Minsk this summer.
To young guys who dream of making it to the KHL, I’d say: train a lot, work hard, want it and strive for it. The main thing is to enjoy what you do, love it, and come to practice not like it’s a job, but with joy and excitement.”
KHL.ru dossier
Alexander Zharovsky
Born on Feb. 22, 2007, in Klin.
Playing career: 2024-2025, Tolpar (JHL); 2025-today, Salavat Yulaev.
Achievements: KHL 3x3 Championship winner (2025).
