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| Alexei Zhamnov: Playing Hockey Was Much Easier |
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Alexei Zhamnov
The famed Russian Olympian and veteran of 13 NHL seasons Alexei Zhamnov sheds light on the reasons behind his decision to call it a career and take over the duties of the General Manager of Russian Super League team Vityaz. He talks about his relationship with former adversary and currently his team's head coach Mike Krushelnyski and reveals his plans for future along with sharing memories of his starry career.
Interview taken by Mikhail Zislis and Alexander Shapiro (Sport Express: October 14th, 2006)
Translated by Alexei Belousenko of Russian Hockey Digest
BEFORE COMING TO VITYAZ, I'VE MET WITH MANAGERS IN NHL
I WAS IN SHOCK WHEN FOUND OUT DOCTORS' DIAGNOSIS
You just ended your career this summer. How did it happen that you accepted general manager's position in the Super League?
A. Zhamnov: Everything is simple. The management of the team from Chekhov offered me to take this job, and I agreed. Though, I didn't accept it right away. I played hockey all my life long, thus, decision to continue working in this field was obvious.
Three years ago you were saying that you have had no idea what you were going to do after the end of the career.
A. Zhamnov: Back then, I didn't think that my career would end so soon. Then, this unfortunate injury occurred. At first, I was in shock when doctors told me that I no longer be able to play hockey. It was extremely hard to realize that this is it. But then I understood that my life keeps going, and I have to think of future.
Your current occupation suggests you will be in the center of attention more than ever. Are you ready to play more public role?
A. Zhamnov: I was never hiding from correspondents, but these days, you better talk to players and coaches because I'm fully loaded with work besides talking to media.
I HAVE PLAYED AGAINST KRUSHELNYSKI
What is your first impression from work at your new position?
A. Zhamnov: I like it so far. Yes, it is tough at first, but at the same time it's very interesting. Sometimes, I think that it is easier to play hockey than be a general manager. I have a lot more responsibilities nowadays. When you go on the ice, you are responsible for your play. But a general manager is responsible for everything all together.
Did you already find a common language with team's coaches, especially that one of them is from Canada?
A. Zhamnov: Actually, this is easy for me. I clearly remember Krushelnyski when we played against each other. I talk to him every day, and we do not have any problems. We both have played in the NHL, thus it is easy for us to understand each other. Though, he is having a harder time than me because he learns a lot of new things in Russia.
What is your goal at this position?
A. Zhamnov: This is a tough question. Let me answer it after a while; I'm still learning a lot of things. But, let me tell you, before I came to Chekhov, I talked to several general managers of NHL clubs. I called people whom I've worked together before; therefore, I received some necessary information to begin with. I've learned some lessons from these discussions; I hope it will help me.
But, specifics are different here in Russia.
A. Zhamnov: I played in Vityaz two years ago, so I knew people who work here before I arrived in Russia. My goal is to create a team that is able to battle for medals. Of course, this is not a overnight deal, and everybody understands it clearly.
What do you think of Vityaz's reputation of a rough team, which reflects in PIM column?
A. Zhamnov: This is hockey! Penalties always will be there. The rules have changed and referees blow a whistle for everything. Of course, we have to reduce our penalty minutes, and we will work on team discipline.
What do you think of Rid Simpson?
A. Zhamnov: I've known him since we played together in Chicago. His 'bad' reputation was made by journalists. You guys like turning any episode into a scandal or big deal. Personally, I don't pay attention to any of this.
DIDN'T FIND UNDERSTANDING WITH COACH IN BOSTON
Remembering your departure from Vityaz back to NHL, don't you regret leaving, because your career in Boston went down?
A. Zhamnov: Back then, Boston made a favorable offer to me. But now, what's the reason to regret about anything? The problem in Boston was that we didn't find a common language with a head coach Mike Sullivan.
The Bruins traded a few team leaders during that season.
A. Zhamnov: Yes, Thornton and Samsonov were sent to other teams, but this is life. This is a normal thing in the NHL. Though, everyone was in shock when Thornton was traded to San Jose. Actually, a general manager doesn't make decisions by himself in such cases. But for some reason, they placed all the blame on him saying that it was his initiative. In order to estimate the situation, more information is needed. After a while, a head coach and general manager were replaced, too. So, that season was not successful not only for me, but entire team.
DYNAMO DIDN'T CALL ME
During off-season period there were rumors going around that you may end up in Dynamo. It would be interesting to end a career in the team where you had started it.
A. Zhamnov: Dynamo? This is a first time I hear about it. No one has talked to me about it. Though, how could I go to Dynamo if I no longer can play good hockey?
Have you talked to Artyukhin about that incident?
A. Zhamnov: No, this is life, and everything can happen.
Are you upset that you haven't participate in the Olympic Games due to your injury?
A. Zhamnov: You know, I have played at three Olympic tournaments before, and won medals of all calibers, therefore, I've got pretty good relationships with Olympic Games.
Do you keep in touch with anyone who still plays in the NHL these days?
A. Zhamnov: I talk to Danny Markov regularly. We played in Vityaz two years ago. He interests in our team performance. Also, he tells me about news in NHL.
What is your most memorable game in the NHL?
A. Zhamnov: There were many of them! Of course, I clearly remember a match when I scored five goals into Los Angeles' net, while playing for Winnipeg Jets. Actually, that team from Winnipeg remains in my career as one of the most remarkable memory. We had a great 'band': Selanne, Tkachuk' We were a jolly team playing reckless, heavily offensive hockey. Great memories!
Wouldn't you like to stay in North America working in hockey field there?
A. Zhamnov: I received a few offers from several teams.
Not general manager position, though...
A. Zhamnov: Not, of course (laughing). I was offered to work in a club, take my time looking around, and then think of something serious. But I wanted to take a pause at that moment. Generally speaking, I didn't really work last season and last summer. The only duty that I did ' flew around for doctors' appointments. So, I got tired of doing nothing.
Unusual feelings after so many years?
A. Zhamnov: Yes. Sometimes even felt uncomfortable. It is a lot more fun working now, at the same time it's more complex.
Are you done with America?
A. Zhamnov: No, why should I? My children still study there. I will have to fly overseas periodically to visit doctors and take tests.
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