Eihl netminder sets a new record

The Latvian netminder, who in his previous spell with Sheffield set an EIHL record of eleven shutouts in a season, surpassed the previous record, set in 2003 by Rob Dopson also of the Steelers.  Dopson had amassed a total of 241 minutes without a goal against him but Mustukovs easily beat that (perhaps easily is the wrong word) and now stands at 301 minutes and 21 seconds without having a goal scored on him.

During that time he has shut out the Dundee Stars, Braehead Clan, Manchester Storm and Nottingham Panthers twice.

In all he has stopped  114 shots.  He now holds the record for four complete shutouts (60 minutes each) and one partial shutout of 40 minutes.

I spoke earlier to him and asked a brief set of questions.

RN: How do you find your second spell in Sheffield? And what do you enjoy most about it, except the hockey.

EM: It is always nice to return to nice city, arena and fans. It was easier to return, because I knew where I was going:-)  Me and my wife enjoy nature here, small sea towns and Peak District.

RN: How does UK style of hockey compare to European style

EM: Style of hockey is now very similar to European style. Also level as well. Because when British teams played in Champions league, they have had good success. They won good teams from Swiss, Sweden and Finish top leagues

RN: Which team do you most enjoy playing against?

EM: I like to play against any team. It really doesn't matter.

RN: Which rink do you most enjoy playing in aside from Sheffield?

EM: I like to play Belfast, Nottingham arenas. And of course Sheffield, because they are big, good crowd and always full houses. Usually 7 or 8 thousands.

RN: It must have been a shock at first to see much smaller rinks (i.e. in Manchester). It must be very difficult for a netminder in those places how do you adapt.

EM: Yes in small rinks it’s difficult, and those teams have advantage. But it is how it is.

RN:  When you come to a new team do you say to your defence look this is my style lets work at it to put good defence together?

EM: When I come to new team I usually don't say that. The best way is to show that on the ice.

RN: Who is your favourite player in the UK?

I don't have any favourite players in UK:-)))

RN: I suppose it’s too early to say but if you had the opportunity would you like to stay with Sheffield?

EM: Yes, I would like to stay of course, but in this business YOU never know where you going to be next season.

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