Michael Garnett: my vacation on Philippines was awesome

Michael, where did you spend your summer vacation? What was the most memorable moment of all?
Right after the World Championships I called a friend of mine, and we decided to go to the Philippines. Wevisited Manila. country's capital city,and Borakay island.We had a lot of fun there. After Philippines I flew over to Dallas to visit my brother and friends. Together we visited a country music festival. It was awesome too! Imagine ten thousand people walking around, listening to their favorite music and having fun. It was great!

What time prior to the training camp have you begun training by yourself?
Each year two weeks before the pre-season training I start jogging and riding bicycle trying to get myself in shape. So, I'm 100% ready for the training camp.

This season Governor Yurevich set an ambitious goal - win as much as possible. What personal goals for the upcoming season have you set?
I never set any long-term goals. My goal is to win every game. If my team makes it to the playoffs, I have to perform as best I can too.

How about beating your own no-goals-allowed record and participating in the All-Star Game?
I agree that one has to have some goals, but if I win every game, it will all come naturally. My objective is to help my team win.

During this year Traktor will be launching the new project called Traktor-TV. Do you like the idea and are you going to participate in it?
I like the idea, it's cool! There's printing press, and then there's TV. It's great to have an opportunity to read something, but it's even greater when you get to watch it. Also I think I will do my best to participate in the project.

What do you think about recent KHL extension and two new teams?
I think it's for league's good. People in Vladivostok and Zagreb should love hockey, so they will be glad to have best European hockey clubs on their turf. It's definitely a step forward for KHL; as far as the players are concerned, they get an opportunity to travel to the cities they have never been to.

What do you make of Ilya Kovalchuk's return to KHL?
I understand him and think that it's every man's business to choose where they'd like to play. If my hometown team were playing in a league such as KHL, I would be happy to play for it too.

How would you react to the departure of several key players during the interseason?
Well, it was obvious that Valera wanted to go over the pond, and even in the middle of the season I thought he would eventually do just that. I am sure our management did the right thing.At least Traktor got some compensation for Nichushkin. I wish him all the best in his undoubtedly bright future. As for Deron, I'm deeply saddened by the fact that he has left Traktor. He is, has been and will be my best friend. Unfortunately, it's hockey and sometimes it's unpredictable. I will miss Deron as well as other guys here in Chelyabinsk.