They saw Semin – and Datsyuk also left hockey! But Ovechkin did not believe it.

Ovechkin: Semin is the best hockey player in the history of “Washington”

The day in Krasnoyarsk began with the fact that four hockey stars, Pavel Datsyuk, Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Dmitry Orlov, arrived at the local park on Tatyshev Island.

The place is curious. When you are in Moscow, you can go to Serebryany Bor to feed the ducks. But in Krasnoyarsk they feed gophers. In fact, the whole park is dotted with burrows. And them gophers are so arrogant, cocky, like racketeers. If you don’t give nuts, they can treat you full.

So, two Alexanders, Pavel and Dmitry, together with the governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Alexander Uss, came here to plant trees for history.

And I took two new ones from there. First, I asked Ovechkin, “Who is the best hockey player in Washington history?”

Without hesitation, Ovi replied, “Of course, Sema. There can be no other option, Pash.”

Secondly, when the press approached, I shouted from behind, and the words flew to the governor: “Will there be a KHL club in the million-plus city of Krasnoyarsk?”

Uss replied, “We’re thinking about it now. And now, with the arrival of Sasha Semin, we are already discussing this topic. Thinking about how to approach this bar.

Here is such an allegory of weightlifting. As the locals told me, a few years ago, at the very top, the question arose whether Sokol could play in the KHL. And they even invited Igor Zakharkin in view of this. The professor estimated the budget: a serious and vertical team, including the academy, would require 3.5 billion rubles.

Somehow, in Krasnoyarsk, they immediately became sad, deciding that for now the major league was enough for them.

Datsyuk: ‘I won’t play for hockey teams anymore’

Before his farewell match, Semin nearly burst into tears when he gave a piercing speech and recalled his father, who brought him to the sport. Former hockey player Valery Semin died on July 28, 2020. Then Sasha will say that, in fact, during the speech he had a hard time holding back tears.

But such was the day when the confessions, as in a chain reaction, followed one another. Pavel Datsyuk came out to reporters. The famous forward, nicknamed the Wizard, missed the last KHL season without playing for Avtomobilist. Well, on July 20, he will be 44 years old.

“There is no sadness that we see Sasha out of sport,” Datsyuk said. On the contrary, we should rejoice. Now he is going to help his hometown. Raise the hockey, raise the kids.

– Did Semin’s sincere speech hook you?

– Such a game. Perhaps there should be such a speech. You can make movies out of it. And I think everyone will come there. Everyone will have their speech. And they will also be insightful.

– When will yours be?

“Wait, what are you, Pavel!

– But will we see you next KHL season? Any chance you can play?

– I will play hockey, but it is unlikely that I will play for Avtomobilist. In general, already for any team.

– It so happens that you officially announce the end of your career?

“You don’t call me, you don’t write. I can’t tell you about it.

– And now?

– I’m not saying yet. This speech has not yet been prepared.

– What is your impression of Semin’s career?

– A very talented hockey player. I think he could do even more.

– Do you have any regrets not having played for Washington?

– And why for “Washington”? There are 29 other teams in the NHL.

… To be more precise, it’s already 31 years old. Still, Datsyuk fell outside the hockey news field.

And we will come to his farewell match in Yekaterinburg.

Gritsyuk: “I look at Ovechkin and drool”

When the young and charming Arseniy Gritsyuk, born near Krasnoyarsk, introduced himself to the journalists, I asked him: “How did you get invited to this celebration of life?

“Yes, we flew to Turkey,” Gritsyuk said. – And my father called me: “Semin called you for the game.” I replied, “I don’t believe it!” I go on WhatsApp, and there is a message from Alexandre: “Hi! Do you want to participate?” It’s hard to refuse such an offer!

– Have you ever known Ovechkin?

– Not.

What were they talking about with him in the locker room?

– I’m with him? I haven’t spoken yet.

– Are you shy?

– Sure!

– Well, go see him. Such a moment!

– And what to say?

Tell me about the Olympics. You have a silver from there, but he doesn’t.

– Yeah, and he’ll tell me so much about the NHL! I’m just sitting in the locker room, watching Ovechkin and drooling.

“Are you going to New Jersey in a year? »

I imagine myself there. But I still have a year of contract with Avangard. So for now it’s just imagination. But we are in contact with the Devils. They ask me how I’m doing, how I’m preparing, what I’m doing.

Semin: “Let Pashka himself announce his departure”

Then Ovechkin and Semin came to the press at once. And we had something to ask.

– What are your emotions? Ovie asked. — Accompany a professional friend.

– Where? Romantic ? said Ovechkin. At these words, Semin almost neighed. – Of course, it’s a sad moment. So many interesting things we have experienced together! But life goes on. And I hope that a team capable of playing in the KHL will appear in Krasnoyarsk. And Alexander will help him with his experience.

– Pavel Datsyuk said that he will not play hockey anymore, I told Alexander.

Semin: – So let Pashka himself announce. He didn’t play last season. Everything depends on him. Maybe he’s in good shape. I see it showing here on Krasnoyarsk ice.

Ovechkin: – I hear about it for the first time! So I can’t say anything.

Then I asked Ovi: “Why is Arseniy Gritsyuk ashamed of you?”

– Why be ashamed of something? Ovechkin shrugged. We are in the same boat, as they say. No need to be shy.

Semin covered his face with a sweater and still neighed.

… The match itself ended 10:9 in favor of the Semin team, as it should. It looks like the Semins did everything to split up and let the Datsyukians score. But these were not successful and therefore they recorded such numbers on the scoreboard. Semin was awarded the title of Honored Worker of Physical Education of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.

Have fun!