Halifax's Nikita Flipachyev talks leaving Ottawa

[Arayvenn 14]

Nikita Flipachyev made time to speak to TSN 1200's, Bobby Margarita today before flying out to join Halifax.

Bobby Margarita: Thanks for making the time to chat with us today, Nikita. Nervous for the big move?
Nikita Flipachyev: Thanks for having me. Excited is more like it! A little nervous to be leaving the only home I've ever had in Canada, but otherwise feeling good.
Bobby Margarita: Was there any hope on your end that you might get to dawn an Ottawa Lynx sweater this season?
Nikita Flipachyev: Not having to leave my parents behind is definitely appealing, and to be honest, I did touch base with Ottawa management before the draft, but ultimately they didn't pull the trigger quick enough and I'm playing in the city that wanted me more. 
Bobby Margarita: Is there any sort of extra motivation stemming from the fact that they passed on you after reaching out? Are any sparks going to fly when Ottawa and Halifax meet for the first time this season?
Nikita Flipachyev: I am motivated to make sure every team that passed on me regrets it, not just Ottawa. I'm also motivated to make sure the suits in Halifax look back on selecting me as one of the proudest moments for their franchise. That being said, look for hats to hit the ice the next time I return to Ottawa, and tell Gregor Rasputinov to make sure he's watching me closely.
Bobby Margarita: Tell me what it's like to be playing for the VHLM's newest team. What's the locker room like?
Nikita Flipachyev: Playing for an expansion team is quite a thrill. Not many players get the opportunity to play for a team in its inaugural season. It's a unique opportunity to grow alongside your franchise. The locker room is buzzing. We believe that the bar is set quite high, especially with the success of the NHL's Las Vegas Golden Knights and we're determined to turn heads this year.
Bobby Margarita: Anything in particular you're looking forward to as you begin your pro career?
Nikita Flipachyev: I want to win that founder's cup and score tons of goals.
Bobby Margarita: Thanks again for sitting down with us today. Best of luck to you this upcoming year.
Nikita Flipachyev: My pleasure, big fan of the show.