On Saturday, September 22, to HC "Donbass" joined by a representative of the NHL - Ukrainian Anton Babchuk. Reaching the Donetsk late at night and barely rested from the road in the morning hockey player has trained with the new for a team on the ice arena "Friendship", and a new form of collecting, went to exit the series matches the hockey club "Donbass", which starts in Mytishchi. On the way to the venue of the next match HC "Donbass" in the regular season Kontinental Hockey League rookie Donetsk shared his first impressions of the new team.
"When it became clear that a lockout is inevitable, with my agent started contact KHL clubs, including Donbass ", - said Anton Babchuk background arrival in Donetsk. - Since the Rules before September 15 it was impossible to negotiate , I began to consider the proposal only after that date. I had a personal conversation with the leaders of the Donetsk club. I liked that the proposal was specific. Didn't think about it for long.
- Are attractive to NHL players of the National Hockey League?
- KHL - the championship is very high. National Hockey League in a better position with less platforms, television work and other things. Game in the NHL more dynamic, but I can safely say that a lot of KHL clubs are as good as the NHL, and may even exceed them. It is difficult to play and need to put a lot of effort to beat someone. I do not know for someone like, but for me the KHL - a very attractive league.
- As previously heard of HC "Donbass"?
- I knew that the team performs at Major Hockey League of Russia. There was talk that the team decided to be entered in the KHL. I could not believe that all happens so fast, but as we see, everything turned out well. I read the opinion of the first persons KHL plans Donetsk club. They said that the team owners are serious, that all corresponds to the KHL. Could only be happy that after so many years Ukraine will have a serious club.
- For sure, familiar with Clay Wilson?
- Last season he played in "Calgary". He was attracted to the first team, and there were a few games we played with them as a pair. Formerly known Alexei Ponikarovsky and Ruslan Fedotenko met only in the "Donbass". We played against each other in the NHL, but were not personally acquainted. Knew Sergei Varlamov and, perhaps, everything.
- What are the plans for a concert in HC "Donbass"?
- I definitely did not come form support. It can be maintained in the gym. I came to help the team win, laid out in every game. It is not known how long the lockout, because all the thoughts here.
- In Donetsk like?
- Arrived late in the evening, the city was able to see only the bus today. It is seen that pure, well-groomed, good roads, modern airport. In the Arena did a good upgrade because impressions are good, but the organization at a high level.