Ian White: I really like it here in Chelyabinsk

Ian, it's really good to see you in Chelyabinsk. Could please share your first impressions?
I like the city. The atmosphere here reminds me of Canada; people are very friendly and know a lot about hockey. I really like it here.

Does the fact that Chelyabinsk is a major industrial city bother you?
I didn't quite have time to see the city. I haven't heard about factories either; I haven't seen any of those where I was.

After signing with Traktor, you decided not to move into an apartment offered by the team, but instead live in a hotel. Why?
Well, just today we have been looking for an apartment, and I think that sooner or later I will move in. I first opted to stay at a hotel because renting an apartment didn't make any sense due to the fact that most of our remaining matches are away matches. Still, I think I will eventually move into an apartment.

Did you know anyone from Traktor before coming to Chelyabinsk? Maybe crossed paths with someone in NHL?
Ofcourse. It's Michael Garnett; Michael and myself played together in junior leagues back in Canada. I often played against Andrey Kostitsyn when he was a part of Montreal Canadiens. All in all, if you are a hockey player, you know hockey world and those who inhabit it. Besides, I am glad that I am still getting acquainted with new people.

Does the fact that many of Traktor players know English make your life here easier?
Of course it does. If it weren't like that, I don't know what I would do.

You have already your first game as a part of Traktor. What are your impressions about the league?
I can't compare NHL and KHL after just one game, but it is already obvious that the level of hockey played here is very high as many well-known players represent KHL teams. Still, it's hard to tell what exactly my impressions are after just one game.