Posted by George James Malik
July 06, 2007 07:42AM
The Detroit Free Press's James Jahnke spotted a Q and A with Red Wings prospect Igor Grigorenko posted on Russian Prospects website. Here are some choice parts thereof:
July 6, Detroit Free Press : 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."
On the Wings' series against the Ducks: "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."
"I am prepared for physical hockey and do not experience any problems with it. Let them be scared of me over there."
On his English: "Bad. I will be studying or always carrying a translator with me."
The entire interview reveals as much about how Russian hockey clubs operate as it does Grigorenko's determination to play in the NHL:
July 4, RussianProspects.com :
Seydamet Abrekov: 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...
Igor 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.
Abrekov: Is your family remaining home?
Grigorenko: Why? My wife and my child are coming with me and we won't be apart.
Abrekov: But the club, as is known, is not offering you any living arrangements...
Grigorenko: No living arrangements and no food (laughing). I guess I will have to live in a hotel at first, until we find a suitable apartment.
Superleague contracts include an apartment with paid utilities, the use of a leased car, and other amenities, all on the team's tab.
As Red Wings GM Ken Holland indicates, Grigorenko's club, Lada Togliatti, is in dire financial straits--so Grigorenko's still in Russia as he and his teammates have sued for their unpaid wages:
FULL STORY
Grigorenko determined to play in NHL, even if it means finding his own apartment
Grigorenko determined to play in NHL, even if it means finding his own apartment
Linear Mode
