ZHAMNOV:we stake on young players of our hockey school

General manager of HC Vityaz Alexey Zhamnov gave an interview.


The former outstanding centerforward and Olympic champion Alexey Zhamnov started his interview with epidemic of injuries of Russian NHL players. Vityaz general manager expressed his concern about injuries of Russia’s leaders Gonchar – Markov, Kovalchuk – Malkin – Ovechkin.

"Injuries are always impossible to predict", said Zhamnov. "You can be 100% ready and pick an injury, like it happened with me in 2006 when I was eager to play at the Olympic Games in Turin and got injured".

"Alexandr Ovechkin always takes risk on the ice ahead of the Olympics. On one hand of course star players should be careful before this important tournament, but on the other hand it’s his playing style".

"He can realize all his potential only playing in risky hockey. Alexandr have become the Most Valuable Player of the league during two consecutive years and it means that he is absolutely right".

"There is no sense in comparing Vityaz new head coach Mike Krushelnyski with Russian specialists, because everybody has weak and strong sides".

"I can say that Mike is a very friendly person, he always supports players even if they make mistakes. To my mind not all Russian coaches can boast the same patience".

"Mike already speaks Russian with our players, that is very important".

"We have a plan of our development for future. We understand our current financial situation and so we stake on young players of our hockey school".

"No doubt that we need to trust decision of the Russian side’s coaching staff concerning formation of the squad for the Olympic Games, as they are responsible for their choice".

"Yashin and Zherdev have not been included to the 50-men list of candidates to the national side. Personally I would prefer Yashin, since he is ideal form in SKA now".

"Zherdev is a real professional, who deserves playing at the Olympics. Though I agree that he hasn’t adapted in Atlanta yet".