EurolancheDavid
Registered User
What did the past season in the AHL give you? Do you regret anything? How was it compared to the KHL?
First of all, I want to say that I certainly don’t regret it. I always wanted to try my luck in North America, it’s been a dream of mine and I finally managed to fulfill it, albeit partially (as of now). It was an awesome year. I really enjoyed playing there, which is the most important thing. All in all, hockey in North America is different. You play on a smaller rink. The players crash the net a lot more and are prone to screen you more often, which was and remains the biggest difference for me. You really need to fight to see each puck and to give yourself a chance to make a save. I had to adjust my style a bit because of all this. When I went overseas, I told myself that even if I’d return after the season (back to Europe), the experience would still help me improve as a goalie. My mindset was that I’d try something new, which would give me a lot of invaluable experience.
Hockey aside, how was it from a personal standpoint?
It also gave me a lot. I got to know a different mentality, a different way of life and an entirely different world. Personally, I like to experience and get to know new cultures. Colorado’s a beautiful place. There’s wonderful, fresh air and lots of sunshine. Things like these do a lot for you mentally – when you wake up to a beautiful sunny morning, you’re positive and in a good mood from the get-go.
FULL INTERVIEW: Francouz interview: My future in Colorado - Eurolanche.com
First of all, I want to say that I certainly don’t regret it. I always wanted to try my luck in North America, it’s been a dream of mine and I finally managed to fulfill it, albeit partially (as of now). It was an awesome year. I really enjoyed playing there, which is the most important thing. All in all, hockey in North America is different. You play on a smaller rink. The players crash the net a lot more and are prone to screen you more often, which was and remains the biggest difference for me. You really need to fight to see each puck and to give yourself a chance to make a save. I had to adjust my style a bit because of all this. When I went overseas, I told myself that even if I’d return after the season (back to Europe), the experience would still help me improve as a goalie. My mindset was that I’d try something new, which would give me a lot of invaluable experience.
Hockey aside, how was it from a personal standpoint?
It also gave me a lot. I got to know a different mentality, a different way of life and an entirely different world. Personally, I like to experience and get to know new cultures. Colorado’s a beautiful place. There’s wonderful, fresh air and lots of sunshine. Things like these do a lot for you mentally – when you wake up to a beautiful sunny morning, you’re positive and in a good mood from the get-go.
FULL INTERVIEW: Francouz interview: My future in Colorado - Eurolanche.com
