Oleg Znarok: “Why are you making me a monster? I’m kind and vulnerable in my soul”

Everyone in the hockey world knows that Oleg Valerievich rarely gives interviews. Therefore, there is no habit of climbing into Znark’s soul.

On the other hand, Oleg Znarok, during the very first open training session of Ak Bars, literally asked the journalists: “Ask me some more questions! Let’s talk!”

On Saturday, his son-in-law Artemy Panarin, hosting a charity match at the brand new Arena Play North right across from , brought together not just stellar company, but very sincere company. I saw how the players approached Znark for a hug, how Alexander Ovechkin talked at length about something with the coach with whom he won the world championship when he was captain.

It’s a real hockey family. And the atmosphere of the Russian team, which we miss.

I decided to keep this atmosphere of a warm July evening as a memory. And how to do otherwise, if not in a word? And he asked Znark for an interview.

“Charity is a holy cause”

— Artemy and his friends organize a charity match for the second year in a row. Now they are helping boy Elisey Artamonov, who is raising money for emergency surgery and rehabilitation after a doctor’s mistake. What is the importance of carrying out such actions?

– It is very important. And I’m only sorry they only help one boy. There are many needy people in this situation. When you hear about sick children, your heart skips a beat. And it is right to organize such matches. It’s good that this time there were even more hockey players who didn’t come last year.

Here Valery Nichushkin is sitting next to me, he came on crutches. I am very happy to see everyone.

– Not only you, but also Vadim Shipachev, Alexander Radulov, Vyacheslav Voinov arrived from Ak Bars. How did you break out in the middle of pre-season?

“To be honest, it was not planned. You understand that the preparation plan is written in advance. When you have signed a contract, you already start thinking about it.

So we hadn’t planned such a trip, and I didn’t even know if this match would take place. But this year Alice and Artemy came to visit us in Riga. This season is short, only ten days. And the conversation just didn’t happen.

But then I drove for ten hours by car from Riga to St. Petersburg – there was no other way to get there. I spent a few days in St. Petersburg, then I flew to Kazan. And that’s where the conversation started. I was asked if there was such a possibility.

I asked: “Who is needed?” They gave me the names … By the way, Danis Zaripov could also fly. We have developed a plan in our coaching staff. And they did it so that it would not be at the expense of Ak Bars.

But I already kept in my head that we would find a way out – and we would leave. We worked a few extra days – on purpose, with no days off. And on Saturday and Sunday Ak Bars rested. There’s no way you’re gone, and the rest works.

– The atmosphere is similar to the Russian team. It’s important to see each other. Do you agree?

– Sure! After all, the guys all played together once, and quite a bit. There was communication, hockey life was bubbling. And not only. I myself had a lot of fun, because I haven’t seen the guys for a long time. It’s so important to talk, to say hello, to kiss.

We only talked on the phone for a long time. For example, I signed a contract in Kazan – they immediately started calling me from there. Although it’s four in the morning, I won’t understand who it is when I wake up. And then three guys from Washington called, congratulations. Yes, and others too. We have a family. And I’m glad we were able to create such a close relationship.

Is it possible to organize charity events during the season? You are an old school man.

– It makes no sense. What else old school? Charity is sacred. We will not be hosting a match day event. You can always find time for it. And even necessary!

‘Drury gave me the Olympian from Rangers’

– You only crossed paths with Artemy in Riga for ten days. He used to post videos of you playing chess on social media. How were your hobbies now?

We didn’t even play tennis this year! And I was specially prepared! I had an old ping pong table. In good condition, but we took him to an orphanage somewhere – with rackets, balls, nets. We do sometimes – we donate bikes, things. Previously passionate about tennis, played a lot in the family. The neighbors were good and we hung out every night.

I bought a new very good table. Artemy arrived last year and took the first batch of ten from me! I play well. But I didn’t even know he was that good at ping pong. The second batch is in the same vein. And when I lose, I start liquidating… I start plotting a rematch. See you last year. And I take two out of three games from Artemy!

– Qualified?

– Not. But he got nervous. This happens when the game is going point by point and psychology is already influencing. It is important to be on time here.

– And you also came to New York – for Rangers games and training. Does it enrich you as a coach?

– Well, what are you, this is such an experience!

– We stood next to the Rangers Olympics, took care of all the details.

“Drury gave it to me.

— Chris Drury, general manager of the New York club?

– Yes he. There is such a balcony on the training ground and I sat next to it. True, in English it was not possible to communicate. But Drury was clear: “I really wanted to talk to you about hockey.” Unfortunately, I don’t speak their language.

And so I went to the training, I wrote everything down. I came specifically for that. And even asked Tema to talk to Drury if I could make such recordings. And it’s embarrassing without asking. There must be some respect. I used to always ask. Because I come to a strange monastery.

“My wife and I look at hockey in different ways”

Have you watched the Rangers playoffs? They qualified for the conference finals.

Yes, I took a good look.

– Artemy scored in overtime in Game 7 of the first round as New Yorkers trailed 1-3 but retired the series with Pittsburgh. What are your emotions at that time?

— We used to watch hockey at night with my wife. But if Rangers lose, I’m blamed for all the losses.

– Why?

“Because my wife and I are sick differently. She just worries emotionally, and I start commenting and chatting about someone. She doesn’t like it.

Then we started watching hockey separately. Ilona stayed upstairs in the bedroom during the playoffs. He doesn’t watch the game, but he doesn’t sleep either. And I think it’s more difficult for her. Because she doesn’t see the game, but waits for the result.

When Tema scored, I shouted from below. Then she realized that the Rangers had won. A very moving moment.

Why didn’t Rangers reach the final? What was missing?

– The composition was not enough, probably. There were injured guys.

Well, look at Valerka Nichushkin. He performed on the injections, although the whole leg was blue. I don’t even know how he survived. Now that he’s had surgery, I looked at the photo – eight screws have been screwed into his leg. Nightmare. But what must be the will! And in this state, a lot of guys played.

Are you happy for Igor Shesterkin?

– Of course very. Well done.

– Did you expect such a flight from him? He won the Vézina Trophy, becoming the best goaltender in the league.

– To be honest, yes. Back at SKA, it was clear he was a talented and promising goalkeeper. It is clear that the goalkeeping coach communicates with him more often. And the head coach just listens. But Shesterkin – well done, psychologically he prepared very seriously. And he’s done well this season.

“Why do players get used to my scream? »

“Have you ever felt the pressure in Kazan?” Before “Ak Bars” is the task of the champion.

– Yes, everyone has a championship task. And what, in other teams of other objectives?

– But there is a difference from the same Spartak.

– Sure. The difference is in the composition, and in the base, and in everything.

– Do you feel better in such an atmosphere?

“It’s more interesting to work with guys who don’t have to be told twice what to do. They’ll figure it out on their own. And the training is better. You’re not doing the same thing. And so – I looked, repaired, everything is fine, you move on.

And if in some teams the guys are less technically equipped, you spend more time there.

– Should I be more nervous, scream?

Why are you making me a monster? I don’t shout all the time. Of course, sometimes there is a cry, like all coaches. But for business, and when necessary. And why? So that they get used to my cry? It must be given at the right time.

– You just had a warm conversation with Alexander Ovechkin. I see you are on the same wavelength. You even look alike, you behave like a dad in a team.

Sasha is a good guy, a wonderful person. We have known each other for a long time. And it is important that he remembers. In general, I was lucky in life that guys called me. It is what warms the soul.

Sometimes I call too. I see something is wrong somewhere. Dialed the number, supported, reassured. This is how communication happens.

Are you interested in Ovechkin’s run for Gretzky? Or is it for journalists?

– I understand that there is a lot of pressure on Sasha. And I think he will succeed. He understands all that too.

You know, from the outside, we look like strong men. But in our hearts, we are completely different. Kind and vulnerable. And it gets worse with age.

– Thick skin does not grow?

— No, no, there is more sentimentality.