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Wojtek Wolski compares North American and Russian hockey |
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KHL's only Chinese team ''Kunlun Red Star'' recently brought in a returning player to boost their roster - Wojtek Wolski who made his return to the team after a short stint with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. In his return interview, he wasn't shy to compare hockey in North America and Russia.
''At first, KHL was a lot different from what I had experienced while playing in the NHL which used to be head over heels better than the KHL, at all levels: game and team organization, player skills, salaries. Obviously, NHL also had shorter flights and more packed arenas'' Wolski said.
''However, in the last six years, I've noticed big improvements: the players have gotten better, hotels and food are better quality than it was. Comparing with my first year in the league and current situations, the KHL level has really improved,'' he added.
Canadian with Polish heritage carries a load of NHL experience representing Colorado ''Avalanche'', Arizona ''Coyotes'', New York ''Rangers'' and Florida ''Panthers'' teams. He moved to KHL in 2013. when he signed with ''Torpedo'' Nizhni-Novgorod.
Later on, Wolski moved to ''Metallurg'' Magnitogorsk, during 2017/2018 season he already had represented ''Kunlun Red Star'' colors but returned to ''Magnitka'' to finish off the season. The forward began this season with the ''Metallurg'' team but he was eventually let go freeing him to make a return to China.
''I think that hockey in North America for many years now has been open to new ideas and new solutions for the game while in Russia a huge part of coaches belong to CCCP school and are still stuck in Soviet Hockey when Russian players were dominant across the world. For Russian hockey, rebuild has taken very long time because people here are used to winning holding on to the principle of ''It used to work and we have to keep doing whatever we were doing''.'' he noted.
''However, the situation now has changed, especially because of young coaches like Ilya Vorobyov whom I used to play for during my time in Magnitogorsk. Coaches like him are capable of bringing change. I have really noticed the progress for all the teams and growth of competition. The hockey keeps on developing not only because of skilled players but also the coaching level is now approaching the player level, which is why I believe that Russian hockey is headed in the right direction. While playing here I have learned to be patient. I think that I am calmer comparing to the time when I first arrived to Russian. This country has taught me patience''.
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