KOVALEV: I DIDN’T DESERVE A CALL-UP

One of NHL leading Russian players Alexey Kovalev gave an interview.


In September the Olympic champion-1992, the country’s champion-1991 and 1992 and Stanley Cup winner-1994 Alexey Kovalev was invited to the pre-Olympic preparation camp, but few people expected to see the 36-year-old veteran in Russia’s “23-men squad”, which was unveiled last Friday.

Alexey scored only seven goals in 35 matches in Ottawa and admitted in an interview to Sport Express, that he didn’t deserve a spot in Olympic roster.

"First of all coaches rarely change the winning roster, and it would be preferable to take players, who won gold medals at the previous World Championships", said Kovalev.

"And secondly this season is not very successful for me, so there is no sense in taking the forward with so low efficiency to the Olympic Games".

"In general the 23-list didn’t surprise me, as Bykov capped those players, who worked with him earlier".

"The Olympic Games will be held in the middle of the season, and players won’t have any time to get used to each other like at the Soviet Times. In this situation it’s better to cap players, who know each other well".

"I always support Russian team and believe that we will win the gold in Vancouver. I really think that our squad is very good. We proved during the last two years that we can win, so I will support our national team as hard as I can".

"Many people believe that Canada is our main competitor and it’s wrong, because many countries have very strong and dangerous teams nowadays".

"It’s impossible to name the main challenger in the competitions, when coaches have an opportunity to take the strongest players".

"The atmosphere at the Olympics is the main special thing about this tournament. Hockey players often play against each other, while this time we will unite. And winning the Olympic is so unforgettable feeling!"

"I am player, but no a coach, so I can’t advise something to Bykov. Russian team’s coaches know everything without my advice, as they have rich experience of winning the World Championships and Olympic games".