After ongoing injury problems and recently few players available, the board around sports director Wilfried Wetzl and president Volker Zeh decided to become active on the transfer market again.
Russian winger Kirill Maksimov has been signed with immediate effect. The 26-year-old native of Moscow is supposed to support the team in a currently difficult phase and use his experience to become the new leading player. Sports director Wetzl was very pleased after the successful move and can no longer wait to see the former 146th draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers play for Kitzbühel.
Maksimov most recently played ice hockey in his native Russia, but his career began in Canada in the youth ranks of the Toronto Canadiens before being drafted in the fifth round by the Edmonton Oilers in 2017. However, he did not play a competitive game. He then played three years in the OHL for the Niagara IceDogs and one season for the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL before returning to Russia and taking a detour to the Finnish league to Mikkelin Jukurit. He has now signed with the Adlern Stadtwerke Kitzbühel and will make his first appearance in the derby against the Eisbären in Zell am See this Thursday.
We met him for an interview when he arrived to get to know the newcomer a little better:
Interview with newcomer Kirill Maksimov
Hello Kirill, nice that you are with us in Kitzbühel. How excited are you to be in Austria and start a new chapter in your career in Kitzbühel? Have you been here before and what are your first impressions?
Kirill Maksimov: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I’m really excited to be in Austria and start this new chapter with Kitzbühel. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Austria properly yet, but I was passing through once when I traveled from Italy to Germany with my youth team from CSKA Moscow after a youth tournament in Italy.
My first impressions are entirely positive: the landscape is breathtaking and the people are incredibly friendly. From the team staff to the locals, everyone immediately welcomed me warmly. The town is small and cozy, but at the same time full of energy, especially around the ice rink.
Of course there is a certain period of getting used to it: a new language, new habits and different ice surfaces. But it is precisely these challenges that make a new experience exciting. Overall, I am fully motivated to do my best for Kitzbühel, to learn from this environment and to contribute to the team’s success.
If you look back on your career so far, how would you describe your path so far? Did everything go as you expected?
Kirill Maksimov: Looking back, my career has been a journey of constant learning and adapting – exactly what I hoped for, even if the path wasn’t always straight.
Did everything turn out the way I previously imagined? Not quite, and that’s a good thing. I used to think a lot in terms of “making it to the NHL.” But hockey and life are not black and white. Development often happens in unexpected places. Some of my greatest progress came in the AHL (American Hockey League) and later in Europe, away from the spotlight.
For me, success is something personal. It’s not just about titles or statistics, but about being a reliable teammate, taking responsibility and performing under pressure. Hockey is global and each league has its own character.
I never would have imagined playing in Austria, but that’s exactly what makes this opportunity so exciting. Today I see it as the perfect next step to continue growing, getting to know a new culture and being part of an ambitious club.
You were born in Moscow but spent a large part of your career in Canada. How did this come about?
Kirill Maksimov: When I was 13 years old, I moved to Canada with my family for better hockey opportunities. This later gave me the opportunity to be drafted into the OHL as a Canadian player and not as an import player. So you could also speak of a sporty Canadian nationality.
The decision to go to Canada was made by my parents. The Canadian youth system is excellently structured, with year-round ice, strong coaches and very competitive leagues. I am particularly grateful to my Canadian coaches, who taught me creativity, patience with the disc and team play.
How would you describe yourself as a player? What are your greatest strengths?
Kirill Maksimov: I see myself as a versatile, team-oriented player who combines hockey IQ, physical presence and adaptability. My game doesn’t depend on spectacular individual actions, but rather on making the right decision for the team in every situation.
I am a powerful two-way forward and try to be effective in all three zones. I try to help the team in different situations with aggressive forechecking, defensive responsibility and the ability to create offensive chances. In short: I want to be a player that coaches can rely on in important moments.
What do you expect from the Alps Hockey League and what role do you see for yourself at the Eagles?
Kirill Maksimov: Even though I’m not very familiar with the Alps Hockey League, I expect a balanced, fast and tactically demanding league. I see my role as a strong two-way striker who brings defensive stability, drives offensive phases, leads by example and can score goals.
I don’t expect an easy league and that’s exactly why I’m here. I want to develop further and help the team achieve their goals.
You join the team at a crucial stage of the season. How can you now help the team reach the important Master Round?
Kirill Maksimov: For me, joining in the middle of the season means integrating quickly and making an immediate impact. My goal is to bring stability and energy to the team and to be a player you can rely on when it matters most. I will play smart and hard and do everything I can to help the team reach the playoffs.
What do you like to do off the ice to relax?
Kirill Maksimov: Aside from hockey, I enjoy activities that help me mentally switch off and stay active. I particularly enjoy being outside, cycling or taking long walks, especially in new places. The Alps are ideal for this.
I also enjoy playing other sports, such as football, tennis or, most recently, padel tennis. In the offseason I am usually in Moscow and spend time with my wife, family and friends. We like to invite guests, play board games or have a barbecue. This gives me energy and helps me return to the ice with a fresh mind.
What is your favorite food and what are you looking forward to in Austria apart from hockey?
Kirill Maksimov: My favorite food is pasta, Russian borscht and steak with vegetables. I’m really looking forward to Austrian cuisine and have already tried Wiener Schnitzel – absolutely rightly a classic.
Aside from hockey, I’m particularly looking forward to the mountains and life in nature. My wife and I love traveling, getting to know new cultures and learning languages. She speaks five languages. German isn’t included yet, but we’re looking forward to learning that too, at least a little.
Finally: What message would you like to give to the fans in Kitzbühel?
Kirill Maksimov: First of all, thank you. Thank you for your passion, your support and the energy you bring to every game. I’m here to give my best – in every change, in every training session and in every game. Thank you for the warm welcome. Let’s make this season unforgettable together.
dieadler.at , Image: KEC_Schwaninger
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