Forward “Torpedo » Maxim Letunov spoke to reporters after the Fonbet KHL Championship opener and talked about his new team’s style.
September 16 “Torpedo” in Moscow defeated “Spartak” (2:1 OT). Letunov signed a one-year one-way contract with the new club on September 12.
Is the debut in the KHL a special sensation?
– Yes absolutely. The guys supported and the victory brought smiles.
Your flight was difficult.
— Yes, I flew 20 hours. From New York via Dubai. There was a training session with Torpedo – and immediately into battle.
– Acclimatization blankets?
Yes, I’m still getting used to it. But the guys supported, helped in defense. And there is success.
– Have you already understood the style of the game “Torpedo”?
“It definitely doesn’t look like North American hockey. I watched a few games at the start of the season. And I really liked that, so I came, being part of the team.
– Why doesn’t it look like it?
– Lots of interaction, passes. We’re constantly trying to control the puck here. But in North America, it’s a little different.
– Even Tampa doesn’t play like that?
– Well, Tampa tries to play like that, but I’m not really. And here I like it better.
– Do you think the season in the KHL will help you restart?
— I don’t like to get ahead of myself, so step by step. Let’s see how the season goes. I hope it’s successful. And there you will see.
– You are unique among Russians in that you came to the NHL from an American university. Is it difficult to balance studies and hockey? And you studied to be a journalist, a public relations specialist.
– You grow much faster, I think, in college. Combining studies and hockey there is quite difficult. The schedule is tight, so you have to always be in good shape.
– Is it possible to study in absentia?
“You have to go to class all the time. They attach great importance to attendance. Teachers help athletes as much as they can, but you still have to teach subjects.
– Does it cost around $80,000 a year?
– I cannot say with certainty that top athletes study for free or partially pay for their studies. But in the most prestigious universities, the prices are very high.
– What questions would journalist Letunov ask hockey player Letunov today?
– None in particular. I would just like to wish you good luck, enjoy your debut.
– Are the emotions of the debut in the KHL very different from the debut in the NHL?
— A beginning everywhere is a beginning. I’m happy for him, and also a little nervous at the start. But the partners helped and the victory brought smiles.
– Did you have a chance to get a foothold with the Sharks?
– I had offers and the opportunity to stay. But I decided to come here, to enjoy the game here.
– Have you consulted with Sharks goalkeeping coach Yevgeny Nabokov about whether you should return to Russia?
– We did not particularly consult, but constantly contacted. He supported me one way or another and we are still in contact,” Letunov told reporters.
Source : MatchTV
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