“Traktor Arena is always packed. I like playing in this atmosphere”

NEW TEAM, CHELYABINSK HOCKEY TRADITIONS, FANS’ ENERGY

Paul, what was your mindset when Traktor representatives contacted you?
When I was contacted, I asked many people about Traktor, including those who played here. After some consideration, I decided to join the Chelyabinsk team.

Could you end up someplace else?
Yes, I was also contacted by representatives of couple of other teams. However, a lot of positive opinions played into my decision to join Traktor, and I am very happy that I have made this decision.

Did you know that Chelyabinsk is a hockey town?
Of course, I’ve heard about the city’s hockey traditions. More importantly, the stands in the arena are always packed, and I love an atmosphere like that. It makes you want to make these people happy. Chelyabinsk is a great hockey town, and of course, this was a very important factor when I was making my decision.

130 POINTS, NCAA, MARCH MADNESS

Back in 2002 and 2003, when you were with MWJHL’s Brentford Golden Eagles, you were able to collect 130 points in 51 games. How was that possible?
This was the beginning of my career, and I was able to do many things on the ice. It was this season that I started making a name for myself. As far as 130 points are concerned, I don’t know how I pulled that off (laughs). I remember that Bryan Little, who now is with NHL’s Winnipeg Jets, was in the MWJHL this season.

Was it the time when you realized that you had a bright hockey future ahead of you?
Actually, I decided to become a professional hockey player a little bit earlier. My primary objective was to get a scholarship in college. After three or four years in college, I realized that I should try to play at a higher level. I joined a junior hockey league, and that was that.

Why are the student sports so popular in North America? An NCAA hockey game could attract as many as 20 thousand people.
Student sports are extremely fun. The boys who study in college get so much fun from just being there and having a chance to play, and they carry this fun onto the ice, the field, or the court. Of course, fans love that. I remember that this was one of the best experiences in my life because I met a lot of great people and did what I absolutely loved doing, playing hockey. What more could you ask for?

Were you a part of March Madness?
Yep, and it is truly a madness. I also love NBA; I am a huge Raptors fan.

Years in college are often associated with some crazy stories.
And I can’t tell you these stories (laughs). In fact, there were only two games a week, one on Friday, the other one – on Saturday. The rest of the week, you prepare yourself for the next games. There was not much time to have fun – quick pace of student hockey games makes you train harder.

NHL CAREER, SABRES AND LIGHTNING

What do you think you lacked to make your mark in the NHL?
I’d say I have made my mark there. Of course, it is very difficult to do that, but I am very proud that I played there. In all of the NHL teams, there are transitional periods when general managers and presidents want to shake things up, and this is followed up by shuffling up the roster, structural changes and so on. I happened to be on the roster when another transition period happened. Looking back, I think I did well in the NHL. Don’t forget the competition there is very fierce.

In your last NHL season with Sabres, you played 9 games and got 4 points. Not too shabby, but Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff still did not want you on the roster. Why?
Well, I believe it was actually a decent season. A lot of guys were injured early on, so I got my chance to shine. I played in the top line and was pretty good, I think. However, the injured guys started returning, and the coaching staff could not find a spot on the lineup for me. Unfortunately, the decision was made to let me go.

Could it be because the coaching staff understood that you were not a checker for a third or fourth line?
It’s difficult to speculate without knowing the true reason behind this decision. It sometimes happens that you are pretty good, but new people come in and view the situation differently.

You also played for Tampa Bay Lightning. A lot of Russian hockey fans associate this team with the likes of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Steven Stamkos.
Not only did I play with them, I also became friends with them. I learned a lot from them too. They are great guys who never refused to help. I am really happy that I got to meet them.

RIGA, MINSK, WIFE SANDRA, WCH 2016

Just recently, Traktor has played against Dinamo Riga and Dinamo Minsk, your former teams.
I played two seasons in Dinamo Riga. My second season was great; the team was very good back then too. We had so much fun playing together. Local fans are always there for the team; plus, Riga is a beautiful city.

As far as Minsk goes, it was a great time too. Some 15 thousand people packed the arena for each game. It was also very comfortable for me to live there.

Before my arrival to KHL, I knew nothing about Minsk and Riga. I am actually very lucky to have been there. Those are great places to live.

World Cup of Hockey has already started. How important is this tournament for team Canada?
It is definitely a huge event for every Canadian. Canada never hosted a tourney like this; before that, we thought that the Olympics were the most important hockey event because all of the best players in the world were there. The WCH is a great chance to promote hockey all over the world. It is going to be great to see the best players on the planet compete against each other.

Putting you on the spot here – who will be the three medalists of the tournament?
Canada will win the whole thing, Sweden will finish second, team North America will get bronze medals. Sorry, but no Russia (laughs).

Your wife Sandra has finally arrived to Chelyabinsk.
I am glad that she is here with me. I will be more confident, now that I have her here. She has been with me throughout my hockey career. We are expecting a baby, so we are both very happy.