Yep. Good stuff.
Capital Goodie over on official found an interview in Russian, and it's been translated by a poster over on Hockey's Future named artilector. Rare to hear a hockey player (or anyone in sports) speak so candidly; if an accurate translation, a very good look into the life and likes of Alexander Semin. Didn't know if Marc had seen this, so:
R: Aleksander, a traditional first question: how are you spending your time in Krasnoyarsk right now, and when are you planning to head back to America, in order to start preparing for the season?
AS: I've been relaxing with friends for more than two months already, a little later I'll start going to the swimming pool, playing soccer, ride the bike in the forest. In August, there will be a physical-therapeutical camp in St.Petersburg, the guys will be there for three weeks. So that will be a more intense regiment -- picking up speed for the season. Then I'll come back here, start skating (about three weeks), and will probably go the US in September for training camp.
R: Are the reporters a big nuisance to you in America? Why are you so reluctant to talk to them?
AS: Because I don't know the language. When you don't know the language very well - what can there be to talk about? When I learn a bit more English - not a problem. Sooner or later, you have to start communicating. For now, I'm shy: when you don't know (how to say) something, you might say the wrong thing.
R: And in Krasnoyarsk, why don't you meet with local reporters? Its so difficult to find you and to set up an interview. You are an all-world star, but are not well known in your home city..
AS: Because there is no hockey here. If there was hockey here, everything would be different. As far as it being difficult to find me, its not completely true. Its just that I came here to relax, and instead everybody is calling me, asking for interviews, but really, I'd like to have a little break from all the attention. Although at this point [after the two months of relaxing], there isn't much to do.
R: You've had enough rest?
AS: Yeah, I want to start training again.
R: So you don't have a dislike for reporters?
AS: Of course not. I don't have a problem to meet somebody and to talk.
R: There is an opinion that if Semin were to talk with the press like Ovechkin, that he'd be no less of a star, at least from the PR standpoint.
AS: Actually, it’s the opposite, it bothers them that I don't want to talk to them. They can't understand - why? I say: "No do speak English" - and that's it. All the time they come up, ask something, one question at a time, two at a time, I understand, try to answer somehow, but it doesn't quite amount to a dense communication.
R: Anyway, do the American reporters have an idea about what Krasnoyarsk is like, where it is geographically?
AS: I, really, don't know. People ask to find out more about me, and if I don't talk with them, they still meet me, translating the questions. But through a translator, a reporter can't ask me the kind of question that he could ask one-on-one, that’s all.
R: Are you learning English?
AS: But its pointless to learn it, just need to converse. For example, the other year, I didn't speak at all. Now I'm already communicating somehow. I think its ok for now.
R: You spend time both in Russia and the US. Do you feel a difference in the quality of life?
AS: Krasnoyarsk is my home city, I like it here. Russia is Russia. In America everything is different, its all quiet there, peaceful, they're not used to the bustling life.
R: So what kind of lifestyle do you prefer?
AS: Ours, of course. There, at 8-9 pm, there isn't a soul on the streets, what is there to do? One practice a day - and that’s it. Thank god we have 82 games: practices, games, transportation - on account of this, the year passes very quickly. Otherwise, it’s the doldrums..
R: Can one somehow compare Washington with Krasnoyarsk?
AS: Well, America is America. And after all, Washington is the capital. The laws are very strict there, everything is strict.
R: Give us a couple of main differences..
AS: The police. Here, if you go on red, turn in the wrong place - pay the fine and keep going. But there everything goes through the courts: turn on red or exceed the speed limit - you get a court date, need to hire a lawyer, etc. Here you pay right away, in any bank branch, and that’s all.
R: Or you can pay off right on the spot.
AS: Or that, yeah. Lets see, what else? People, who already have families, childrem - for them, of course, peace and quiet - its normal. But we are - young guys, I mean we kind of want to…
R: To show yourselves? [strange question]
AS: Well, not really show ourselves.. I don't even know how to put it.. Guys go out Friday and Saturday - that’s it. Discos, places to hang out - its not for them.
R: The team management does not forbid players to spend time in places like that?
AS: There, its not how things are done, nobody monitors anybody. Not like in Russia. Like they say, NHL is a league of professionals, whose preparation is their own business. You can come out on the ice in any condition - lacking sleep, for example - but you have to do what is asked of you. And if you do it, nobody will say a word to you.
R: So the result has the absolute importance?
AS: Oh yes. Its different here: training camps have started, will start in earnest soon in the Superleague. There, you come one month before the season - control games, practices - and that’s it, off you go.
R: An unpleasant topic for you, but lets touch on that for a moment. Could it happen in America, that being late would result in your dismissal from the national team WC squad?
AS: It depends on the coach. I just don't know how to answer this question. Every coach has his own views on every player. I don't know, what happened there. I gave advance notice, that I was running late for practice, and they told me: ok, fly in. So, that’s the choice they made. I read interviews with other coaches, one of them said: first of all, I'd call up Semin, and would have told him face to face, not like this - by phone: no, don't bother making the trip. I think that its not correct. I wanted to come, but if they told me "don't bother", it means, they did not considered me needed.
R: After the WC, did you have any contacts with the federation, the national team?
AS: No, why?
R: Maybe your agent..
AS: Well no, I'm in contact with the agent. He argued with them, but whats the use of arguing - thats the decision they made.
R: But somehow the contact needs to be reestablished, Vancouver is not too far away. Are you planning on going there, btw?
AS: Have to get to that bridge first. The season is ahead. I've always wanted to play for the national team, always came out and played with desire. Since childhood, its an honor for me. But I don't know - if they don't take me, so be it.
R: Are you holding a grudge? Just be honest.
AS: Why hold a grudge? Its disappointing, of course, especially because the WC was in Russia, I wanted to play. But it wasn't meant to be, I guess.
R: Did the parents take it hard?
AS: Dad played hockey himself, he went through it all, so he understands everything. Mom worried a lot - women are women.
R: Did you get many calls at that time?
AS: I didn't talk to anybody, didn't pick up the phone. No comments - and that's it. Because if you say something to someone at a time like that - afterwards the papers will print something you didn't say at all, and then good luck trying to prove what was said.. I just don't need this, that's all.
R: Continuing on this topic: your impressions of Bykov as a coach, and of the current national team.
AS: It was a very good team, I really liked the group. As far as losing to the Finns.. Well, Morozov was out - top point-producer, after all. Three players were out - its hard for a team. And still I really liked the squad - I was saying that they will it all.
R: Did you talk to any of the guys during the tournament?
AS: Yeah, I did.
R: Was the atmosphere in the team really as positive as was written in the press?
AS: Yeah. Guys were saying, there hasn't been a team like this for a long time.
R: Its often the case that people initially write here: here's a dream-team, the best, and then after the WC - disappointment.
AS: No, the team really was very good.
R: Aleksander, hockey in America - is it a cult?
AS: A show. They make money on it in America, and we here haven't yet learned how.
R: Is there a big difference in the level of play?
AS: I can say one thing: the rink in America is very small, there's more collisions, more physical play. In Russia everybody is better technically, try to play the passing game, we have bigger rinks. For me the only difficulty initially was the red line: it was a pain for the first couple of weeks, afterwards - it was alright. Now the rules are the same everywhere.
R: In the NHL is the team a team only on the ice? Or do you keep together off the ice, as well?
AS: Its same as in Russia. In the NHL, there are 82 games, almost every day there are practices, games, flights, meetings.. So you're together all the time: even going to a bar - the whole team goes, to the restaurants we all go together. We have a young team: maybe a couple of guys are over 30, the rest are 24-25.
R: Do you allow yourself any drinks? Hard liquor?
AS: Sometimes on weekends. Alcohol won't kill you, I think. But in America, when you're not in a good mood - you’re not gonna drink. It’s kind of boring to live there. Everybody keeps to their own house there. Few places for the young guys to get together, or something else.. I, for example, I am constantly with Sanja Ovechkin - we go to basketball, jakuzzi, banja, to the gym..
R: Where is it easier to meet girls - in Russia or America?
AS: Here, of course. Its all different there. If I knew English - I could meet somebody in a store, somewhere else, but as things stand.. For now, the whole problem is with English. If I'll learn the language, there will be more communication, less difficulties.
R: Do fans recognize you?
AS: There - yeah. When you go to Canada, they don't let you walk away easily. They are hardcore fans, twenty thousand attend every game..
R: You take your popularity in stride?
AS: I am not after it, I play as best I can, that all. And people, I think they will see it all themselves.
R: What mainly constitutes the life of an American sportsfan?
AS: Work, home. As resources permit - hockey, American football, basketball, baseball.
R: Have you figured out American football?
AS: Yeah. Haven't gone to see any games, but supposedly, its very interesting.
R: You live in an apartment, or a house? What is it like?
AS: I rent a three-story cottage. Not far from Washington, you cross a river, its already a different place called Arlington, part of Virginia.
R: You live alone?
AS: With my mom: My sister came to visit once with her husband and children, they spent two months there - at the end, they were positively going crazy: back to Russia! That’s it! Because there was nothing to do around here. For them especially, not knowing the language. I am already used to it, somehow: I have many Russian friends.
R: What does your Mom do?
AS: Not much, to be honest. There is nothing to do there. Cooks, does laundry, cleans.
R: Is there a maid, somebody to help out?
AS: If there was somebody else, I think she'd really go crazy. With the chores, there is at least something to kill time with.
R: Btw, what does your mom cook: does she buy American fast-food, or Russian only?
AS: No-no! Russian, of course, but still, the ingredients are not quite right over there. There is an aftertaste. She tries to cook it the same way as in Russia, but you can tell - its not the same.
R: What cuisine do you prefer?
AS: I like different things. Before a game I eat pasta with chicken or something else, soup.
R: Made by your mom?
AS: Well, of course. We grill the meat ourselves. We buy it in the store, go outside, grill it. In the winter, when snow is falling, it gives us something to do to pass the time. Towards the end of the season, I get tired of the same food, not like in Russia. I'm used to Russian food, and there it is tasty, but not the same.
R: Do you ever invite any Americans you know to your house, to treat them to some food?
AS: No, I haven't done that. Sanja Ovechkin invited some guys to come over, because he can talk alright.
R: Do you regret not studying English in school?
AS: Honestly, I don't regret it, it'll come on its own. I don't understand, is English really that difficult for me, or do I just think that? When I start talking, everybody says: you're speaking fine.. But I..
R: You're afraid of making a mistake?
AS: Actually, Americans, if you say something wrong, they correct you. Its not like in Russia: if you don't understand - get out of here. We have a different mentality.
R: Sasha, what do you think of your title "Wild Siberian"?
AS: Ah, its this one stray reporter, Slava Malamud, its his words. Have you read him once? What is there to read? (Laughing) He is something else! I didn't want to speak with him, and then I thought: ah, let him write, let the people have a laugh, whats the difference.
R: So it was he who came up with it?
AS: Of course, its him. I mean it happens: you write something, and the person who you wrote about, doesn't like it. And now I have a different opinion, whether to give an interview the next time, or not. If he just wrote about what I said, its one thing. But if he goes off with his own stuff, which people laugh about, I don't know, what to call that..
R: You've mentioned a two-month resting period: were you able to go to a resort somewhere?
AS: Yeah, I relaxed in Egypt.
R: How was it?
AS: It was alight. Swimming, sunbathing.
R: Where else have you been?
AS: Many places, but this year, nowhere else.
R: Where did you like it the most?
AS: Last year I really liked it in Egypt, it wasn't the same this year. The most important thing is to be in a good company. With a fun-loving group of friends its good anywhere. This year we went the two of us [doesn't say who] -- it was a bit boring.
R: Are you a social person? Do you like to spend time in a boisterous group, or with a couple of close friends?
AS: It depends. Generally, I like to be around friends, sans people who I do not know very well. Its easier to hang out that way. You meet new people anyway, but mainly, I spend time with friends who I know since childhood.
R: What car do you drive in America?
AS: Mercedes CLS, 6.3 liters
R: Do you floor it a lot?
AS: There's nowhere to go to really push it. Only in the parking lot, we burn rubber sometimes. It’s a big lot - you can spin the car in place.
R: "We" means with who?
AS: With Ovechkin.
R: What do the others think?
AS: They look at us with eyes open wide: what are you doing?! Its something crazy for them, they don't do it there.
R: So the winner is the guy who can produce the most smoke from the burning tires?
AS: No, why - we are not competing. Just to show the guys. We did it maybe three times. Although, we've burned all the rubber, its time to change it.
R: What do you drive here?
AS: BMW X5
R: There you have a Mercedes, here a BMW, so you're not loyal to any one maker? You don't care what you drive, as long as it’s a good car?
AS: I think you can't really compare Mercedes and BMW, they are both good cars. But I am kind of suspicious towards Audi. It’s a good, nice looking car, but..
R: Here a BMW carries somewhat of a criminal image. A Mercedes is something solid, respectable. The music/sports celebrities like Porshes, Ferraris..
AS: And where are you going to drive them? Here, even in an SUV you don't always feel very confident.
R: Here one local businessman bought a Lamborgini - so far so good.
AS: Yeah, I know. He drives it on Mir Blvd, back and forth.
R: Do you ever get stopped by the police?
AS: Yeah
R: How do you handle it? Do you rely on your name?
AS: I give them a card with an autograph - and drive off.
R: How do they react: do the know, who you are?
AS: Of course. Many know me already. I've been driving for what.. three years! They know the license plate and the vehicle.
R: Many nightclubs have opened in Krasnoyarsk recently, any preferences?
AS: New clubs - like "Nirvana"?
R: Nirvana, Podium, Urfin Juice.
AS: Where the guys go, I go.
R: So you trust their taste? How do you like the quality of these clubs? I know you've been to Nirvana a few times.
AS: I go there, but, how should I say.. It would be nice if something changed. Nothing changes: its the same people all the time.
R: Did you like it at the Krasnoyarsk Comedy [club]?
AS: The part about myself I liked, definitely.
R: Did you go to the Moscow one?
AS: Last year, when I played in Moscow, I went a few times. It’s the same there.
R: How does ours compare?
AS: Its not quite as good, there the guys are better. But to compare those days and right now, its different times. At that time those clubs were just opening, people went to see what they were about, and now its not the same. I mean, you have to invent something every day, but there is nothing new to invent.
R: How about clothes, where do you prefer to buy it?
AS: In Moscow. Last year I prefered a ragged look, now - something more strict, don't know why.
R: Maturing?
AS: Maybe I'm getting older. That style doesn't appeal to me anymore.
R: Does mom give you any advice?
AS: I have a good taste: whatever I buy, she likes.
R: What can you waste some money on, without regrets?
AS: Maybe I'm a shopping junkie, but clothes is something I never regret spending money on. If I like something, it does not matter how much it costs, I'll go bankrupt, but I'll buy it.
R: Accessories, watches, for example?
AS: A good watch costs a fortune. The famous brands I know, but generally I am not that huge a fan of watches. I bought myself a Franck Muller watch. I've had it for two years - its alright.
R: Do you save for something, or spend everything?
AS: No, I don't spend everything. I buy some things, I'm building a cottage for my parents, for example.
R: Do you invest? A hockey career eventually ends..
AS: Obviously. Everybody invests in something. My dad takes care of the money, I don't go there.
R: What is your dream achievement, in sports?
AS: To win the World Championship, specifically the World Championship - not the Canada/World Cup or Olympics.
R: How do you feel about your own career? For how long do you think you'll be able to play?
AS: I think I could play another 10-12 years easily. People play quite well at 35. In the NHL, defenders peak at 35. Larionov finished at 42, but he's an exceptional case, of course. To play for a long time, you have to have a healthy lifestyle.
R: And how is your lifestyle?
AS: Its alright, but when I want to relax, I don't forbid myself to do it.
R: What do you prefer, as far as alcohol goes?
AS: I like whiskey: I drink it with apple juice, separately. I don't like it diluted: I've tried it with coca-cola before, but got really sick.
R: What about any exotic foods?
AS: I like sushi. I don't eat it often, but when I feel like it, I can eat a lot of it. When I came to America, for two and a half weeks I ate sushi every single day. Then one time we ate some after practice, flew off to New York, and there was a lot of turbulence. So I got really sick, and didn't touch sushi for probably a year afterwards.
R: Do you have a favorite city in America or Canada, where you want to go again and again? To go out, walk about, look around..
AS: Miami, Toronto, Montreal. In Canada its just nice everywhere.
R: Miami is good with its beaches?
AS: We went there: sunbathed, relaxed.. The sea, the sand, hotels - awesome..
R: Do you like the Canadian cities for their strong hockey traditions?
AS: I just like it there. And as far as shopping, you can go buy something there, while in America.. in Washington there are no designer stores at all, I haven't bought anything there as far as clothes this year.
R: Can you figure out who is Russian in a crowd?
AS: You can figure out who's Russian, first of all, by the clothes. I know an American billionaire, not a young guy: has a wife, seven kids. Walks around in simple sneakers, jeans. Because they don't chase that stuff, they dress simply. While Russians.. In America they don't dress up like in Russia.
R: And where the girls are prettier?
AS: In Russia
R: And the prettiest?
AS: The prettiest are in Brazil, supposedly.
R: You haven't been there?
AS: No, I want to go there.
R: To look at the girls?
AS: Yeah. For some reason, they've piqued my interest..
R: How about Miami - all the colors, races: not pretty enough?
AS: The girls are very good looking in Miami. We went out to clubs a few times there - the girls are pretty, because they are from everywhere. Miami is not like the rest of America, the life is a bit different there, more places to hang out, many Russians, there are people from all over. But the most beautiful girls are still in Russia.
