Makarov Dmitry is a famous Russian hockey player who currently plays in the KHL. His career, of course, can only be envied. He spent many seasons in the most prestigious league in Russia. Despite the specific style of play, he regularly gains a large number of scoring points.
The beginning of the sports path
Makarov Dmitry was born on December 6, 1983 in Ufa. Hockey in this city is the most popular sport. Many guys dream of becoming professional athletes, in order to later glorify their republic. Dmitry as a child really wanted to play hockey. His father Leonid used to play hockey professionally. It was he who decided to send Dmitry to the children's school "Salavat Yulaev".
Professional career
Dmitry Makarov signed his first professional contract with his native club Salavat Yulaev in 2000. However, for the two seasons spent, he never managed to gain a foothold in the team. Dmitry was dissatisfied with his position in the club and decided to leave. In 2002, he became part of the Metallurg team from the city of Magnitogorsk. But there he was disappointed. After four games, this striker was transferred to the second team. There he played the entire first half of the season. In the double Makarov Dmitry stood out among other players. For 29 matches held, this player scored 35 scoring points. He perfectly understood that he had already outgrown the level of the first league. After Dmitry spent four games for the main team and moved to play in the city of Kurgan.
Career continuation
In the club "Trans-Urals" Dmitry Makarov, a hockey player, played out the 2003-2004 season. For 30 matches he scored 12 goals and gave 9 assists. Hockey experts from Magnitogorsk tracked the performances of this player. Realizing how Dmitry is progressing, they decided to bring him back. But he began the 2004-2005 season again in the second team of Metallurg. Makarov Dmitry Leonidovich, whose statistics at the start of the season was excellent, was waiting for his chance in the Super League. Finally, in the second half, he managed to gain a foothold in the main team and play 23 games in which he scored 6 points.
Return to home club
Not playing the 2004-2005 season at Metallurg, Makarov Dmitry Leonidovich decided to return to Salavat Yulaev. He came there already played a player. There he performed until 2007. Fans loved this striker with love. For this he pleased his goals. In the 2007-2008 season, rumors appeared that Makarov was one step away from moving to Spartak Moscow. But unexpectedly for many, this player moved to Neftekhimik (Nizhnekamsk).
Performances in Nizhnekamsk and transfer to Torpedo
Not everyone understood the transition of Makarov. Many hockey experts claimed that he could choose a more suitable club for himself. However, it was in Tatarstan that Makarov Dmitry Leonidovich, for whom hockey is a matter of his life, spent the best years in his long career. In this club he performed four seasons. For “Neftekhimik” he spent a total of 207 games and earned 111 points. It was after these seasons that Makarov began to be perceived as a skilled player who is able to strengthen any club. The love of the fans is confirmed by the fact that they recognized Dmitry Makarov as the best player of the season as part of the Neftekhimik club. After that, the striker began to play for the Torpedo team. The contract was signed for one year.
Continuation of performances in the KHL
At the end of the season in the Nizhny Novgorod “Torpedo” club extended the contract with Makarov. He was a true team leader, often scoring decisive goals in important KHL championship matches. In 2013, the Ufa club Salavat Yulaev, as a result of the exchange, returned its pupil home. This striker played there until 2016, and then it became known that Dmitry had concluded a two-year contract with Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik. In this club, he always enjoyed the support of the management and fans of the team.
Disinterest on the part of the leadership of the Russian national team
Despite the high and stable results that Makarov showed at the club level, he was never invited to play for the national team. Even at the junior and youth level, this striker was not called to participate in international tournaments. Makarov often watches performances by the national team and regrets that he never had a chance to help her achieve high results.
Failed Ocean Departure
As a teenager, Makarov considered as an option the continuation of a career in the youth American league. But as a result of much thought, he decided to stay at home. Dmitry’s decision was greatly influenced by the fact that they began to connect him to the Salavat Yulaev main team. There, he could grow up faster as a player and get used to adult hockey than it would be in American leagues.
Game features
This striker can hardly be called a typical player. He does not have the speed that is characteristic of a modern forward. Many hockey experts often claimed that he had problems with being overweight. However, not a single trainer, under whose leadership Dmitry played, said anything like that. If Makarov had problems with physical fitness, he would never have been able to successfully play with a coach like Vladimir Krikunov, since his playing style requires good physical shape. Dmitry is appreciated for the skill and intelligence that he displays in games. Due to its positive qualities, it shows good statistics. Namely, this is what every coach needs from his team striker. Dmitry’s character is calm. Even in difficult times for the Salavat Yulaev club, this player never intervened in conflicts. He is disciplined and always focused on the upcoming game.
Athlete's Family
Father, Leonid Makarov, played hockey for many years, and at the end of his career he worked as a coach. The younger brother Konstantin followed in the footsteps of his brother and also became a professional hockey player. Dmitry Makarov is married, the couple has a son. He loves hockey very much and, possibly, will continue the hockey dynasty of the Makarovs.
Forward spent most of his sports career in his native club Salavat Yulaev, Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik. His career is gradually approaching its logical conclusion. Russian fans will remember this hockey player for a long time.