Russian hockey defender Mikhail Gulyaev of Avangard Omsk has described his 2023 visit to the Colorado Avalanche development camp in Denver, revealing that he spent three days recovering from the physical impact of high altitude.
Speaking to sports publication Sport24, the defender recalled that he experienced persistent shortness of breath during workouts throughout his stay of six days in the United States following the National Hockey League draft.
Gulyaev admitted that training at high elevation left him gasping for air and noted that full acclimatization in America requires at least two weeks. He explained that it took three days just to recover due to the mountainous environment.
Denver is known as the Mile High City because its elevation sits at 5,280 feet above sea level. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure drops and air contains fewer oxygen molecules per breath, frequently causing unacclimated professional athletes to experience rapid fatigue and breathing difficulties during intense training.
Beyond the physical challenges on the ice, Gulyaev paid close attention to everyday domestic differences in the United States. He said he gained insight into the American mindset and incorporated specific elements of the local training process into his own regimen.
American lifestyle and training
Despite adopting new training techniques during his brief stint with the North American club, Gulyaev stated that he had no desire to repeat such an experience.
Gulyaev currently plays in Russia for Avangard Omsk, a major club based in Omsk, Siberia, that competes in the Kontinental Hockey League. The young defenseman was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft. NHL franchises routinely host summer development camps to evaluate recent draft picks and familiarize international prospects with organizational standards.
Players share North American experiences
Gulyaev is not the only Russian ice hockey player to speak publicly about adjusting to life and culture in the United States. Forward Danil Gushchin of Yekaterinburg club Avtomobilist previously shared his own personal experiences from his time playing in California for the San Jose Sharks.
Gushchin, who played for San Jose in the National Hockey League before returning to the Kontinental Hockey League, revealed that he developed a fear of American police after law enforcement officers stopped him several times while he was driving.
Both Avangard Omsk and Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg are prominent teams in the Kontinental Hockey League, where numerous Russian players with past NHL draft or playing experience compete during the regular season.
