Michael Garnett. Standing on guard

Those like Garnett are called Russified. Stranger in a foreign country, Michael quickly proved that a Canadian goalie with a seemingly different mentality could become a fan favorite. Wherever he goes in Chelyabinsk, there are fans that follow him. People stand in lines for hours to get his autograph. In 2011 Michael built a wall around Traktor's net and won many matches for the team. When Traktor struggles, Garnett is there for them.

Young D-men give Traktor the needed energy

Michael, what do you think about your current season's stats?
Well, they have changed a bit - my save percentage and GAA are a little bit different compared to the previous season. There is an explanation for this - during this season we allow more shots on our goal as well as the scoring chances.

Do you follow your stats?
Sometimes. For example, I studied my stats from the last game. But all in all, it is all about the team. You can put a Brodeur in the nets for an average team or an average goalie in the nets for the Stanley Cup winner - the result will be just the same. It is important for me as a goaltender that our defensive efforts are aligned.

Do you like the style of new D-men?
I like Borodkin's style of play. He is not afraid to utilize the open ice and is good at power game; plus, he has got great shooting skills. Nikita Khlystov is another guy whose style is appealing to me. Anyhow, all these young D-men bring so much energy and youth spirit to our team.

You won four post-match shootouts this season. Do you have any special training for this component of the game?
No,nothing specific.It's a lottery, and you'd better not get to it. However, when you play enough matches in KHL, you already get familiar with how some of the shootout masters execute their shots. It is great to collect seven or eight victories under your belt at the end of the season.

During the match against Avangard I was standing right behind your net and was looking at you and your shootout opponents. I was absolutely positive that you would not allow anything to go in...
It was a tough matchup. Some of the shooters did not do what they planned to. Anyhow, we should have done everything in our power not to extend this game until the shootouts.

True power game is rarity in KHL

In your opinion, what is a good hit and what hits do you like the most?
A while ago Jan Bulis checked someone into the boards; now that was a hit! In fact, Traktor has many players who bring a lot of power game to the ice. Unfortunately, there is not much power game going on in the league; there is a lot free ice surface, so true hits are a rarity. When a D charges for a hit, he risks leaving his position on the ice. As far as Traktor players, the best hitters are Katichev, Bulis and Kostitsyn.

Let's talk about icings. Sometimes when you raise your hand signaling for the icing, the ref's whistle doesn't blow. Could you elaborate?
By raising my hand, I signal about the icing to my partners who can't see the ref. As far as the rule goes, every ref treats if differently; sometimes they see my raised hand and signal the icing, and then stare at each other with a look of bewilderment on their faces. The dynamic of the game sometimes makes it difficult to determine an icing correctly.

You often leave the net to play the puck behind the goal which is vintage Canadian goalie play. However, there were many instances when it was too risky to play the puck. So, is the risk worth its while?
Of course it is.When the opponent dumps the puck into our zone, the D has to get it first, and this is when they often get injured. If I get to the puck first, I can pass it to my teammate who can get the attack going. Back in the States, I often told the coaching staff that they should expect two or three allowed goals like these during the season, because it was inevitable. So, get used to it (laughs). When I leave the goal to play the puck, all everyone thinks about is how risky that is, and no one thinks about the benefit of cutting an opponent's attack and beginning a quick one of our own.

Have you already allowed goals like these when you left the net, like off the rebound from the boards? Your friend Deron Quint scored a couple of those back in the NHL...
Of course I have, I just don't remember the last time when it happened. It certainly didn't happen in Russia - the boards here are even. Things like that could happen at old arenas with wooden boards.

The sound of fans chanting your name is awesome

Your Russian is getting better by the day. How well do you understand coaching staff and their requirements?
I understand everything they say that concerns hockey. I communicate with goalies coach Viktor Demchenko really well. Moreover, I try to talk to all of my teammates in Russian.

Are any of your friends or relatives planning a trip to Chelyabinsk this season?
My brother said something about going to Sochi to support team Canada in the upcoming Olympics, but it is not a hundred percent deal. My friends also wanted to visit Chelyabinsk, but I don't know when they are going to have time to do this.

Did you like London? Managed to go to any soccer game?
I spent four days in London, but unfortunately, did not attend soccer games. However, I visited many historic sites, restaurants, shopping malls etc. I also met with a friend of mine, and we had a great time together, even though there was not enough time to get to know London better.

If you do not go to the Olympics. what are you plans for the break?
I believe we are given five days off right after the final match before the break against Admiral. Vladivostok is not far away from popular tourist destinations in Asia, so I'm thinking about visiting one of them.

Do you like the remixed version of Duck Sauce's 'Barbra Streisand', where the voice says 'Michael Garnett' instead of 'Barbra Streisand'?
I heard it, and yeah, I like it. But it is only a button on the DJ set; when the fans chant your name in unison, this is what's plain awesome! It happened to me quite a few times here in Chelyabinsk.