Hockey North Star

Author: Seydamet Abrekov (MK In Lada)
Translated By: Eugene Belashchenko Date: 07/04/2007


Igor Grigorenko celebrating after capturing the gold medals at the 2002 U20 WJC
Igor Grigorenko (Detroit Red Wings) can be called a hero. This gifted forward, a great hope for the future of Russian hockey, almost died in a terrible car accident several years back. However, he found in himself the strength to return to the ice. He started to play well again and consistently score with Salavat Yulayev, Severstal and then his hometown Lada. Few believed that Girgorenko, at one point drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, will end up in America. But facts are facts, and during the regular season, Igor will try on the red and blue uniform of the legendary NHL club.

I. Grigorenko: I signed a deal with Detroit in Moscow during the World Championships. My dream to get to the NHL has come true and I want to secure a spot in North American hockey. It won’t be easy to make Detroit’s main lineup, but it is definitely worth a try.

Did Lada really let go its best goal scorer with such ease? Did they offer you to stay in Togliatti? I. Grigorenko: My contract with Lada has expired. Nobody tried to block my departure. But they did say – If things don’t work out – you can come back.

Did the club settle all the salary and bonus financial obligations with Grigorenko? I. Grigorenko: Not yet entirely
Did other clubs get in contact with you offering a contract?
I. Grigorenko: There were conversations, as I am planning to sign an insurance deal in Russia. I still need to figure out with whom.

Maybe it would have been easier not to leave the country, as some clubs pay even more than in the NHL? Especially since the taxes are so high in America…I. Grigorenko: Money wasn’t the primary factor, I just want to play in the NHL. I will always have a chance to come back home.

You probably followed Detroit’s last games against Anaheim during the Stanley Cup Playoffs? I. Grigorenko: Of course. The games ended up being great! Nobody gave anyone an inch – everyone battled to the end. That is the kind of hockey that I like and that is why I am going to America.
FULL INTREVIEW

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To be the Man you have to beat the Man (Ric Flair)