EurolancheDavid
Registered User
Wojtek Wolski was the 21st overall pick of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. After being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche, Wolski went on to play another season in the OHL, before getting the call up to the NHL, where he remained with the Avalanche until being traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in on March 3, 2010. After stints with the Coyotes, the New York Rangers, the Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals, Wolski decided to sign for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL. Wolski has already played 12 games in the KHL, scoring 3 goals and getting 5 assists.
You left the NHL after 8 seasons. What’s the most difficult thing for you in Russia?
It’s a new country, a new culture, a totally different way of life. I’m just getting used to that. The practices, coaches. Everything’s different from the NHL, it’s just a whole new experience. I think it’s just another phase in my life. Might be the best thing that ever happened to me. You never know. Some people are just too worried about what can happen, but at this point in my life, I think I’ve just moved on and I’m excited about a new opportunity.
What made you move over to Russia?
The last couple of years I‘ve had injuries, I haven’t had great seasons. As I get older, I just want to play and enjoy hockey. Obviously, I want to build a financial foundation for myself and my family. I think the KHL allows you to do just that. I have a great opportunity here and it’s been fun so far.
Isn’t it hard for you to speak and understand Russian?
It is. I speak Polish, so there are similarities. I’ve been trying to learn Russian, I’ve been taking lessons. It’s going to take some time, but I think I’m going to be here for a couple years so might as well learn the language. A lot of the guys from our team speak English, the coaches speak some, too. They’ve been helping us a lot.
Have you already adjusted yourself to the different style of hockey here?
Yeah, it’s different. Training camps are way longer, you play so many games before you even start the season, so there’s definitely an adjustment period. I think it’s finished and I’m just trying to get ready for every game.
FULL INTERVIEW: http://eurolanche.com/article.php?id=3617
You left the NHL after 8 seasons. What’s the most difficult thing for you in Russia?
It’s a new country, a new culture, a totally different way of life. I’m just getting used to that. The practices, coaches. Everything’s different from the NHL, it’s just a whole new experience. I think it’s just another phase in my life. Might be the best thing that ever happened to me. You never know. Some people are just too worried about what can happen, but at this point in my life, I think I’ve just moved on and I’m excited about a new opportunity.
What made you move over to Russia?
The last couple of years I‘ve had injuries, I haven’t had great seasons. As I get older, I just want to play and enjoy hockey. Obviously, I want to build a financial foundation for myself and my family. I think the KHL allows you to do just that. I have a great opportunity here and it’s been fun so far.
Isn’t it hard for you to speak and understand Russian?
It is. I speak Polish, so there are similarities. I’ve been trying to learn Russian, I’ve been taking lessons. It’s going to take some time, but I think I’m going to be here for a couple years so might as well learn the language. A lot of the guys from our team speak English, the coaches speak some, too. They’ve been helping us a lot.
Have you already adjusted yourself to the different style of hockey here?
Yeah, it’s different. Training camps are way longer, you play so many games before you even start the season, so there’s definitely an adjustment period. I think it’s finished and I’m just trying to get ready for every game.
FULL INTERVIEW: http://eurolanche.com/article.php?id=3617
