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Igor Kravchuk on How Mike Keenan Has Changed, First Impressions of China |
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Sheng Peng
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Over 12 seasons, defenseman Igor Kravchuk suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, and Florida Panthers.
In Chicago, St. Louis, and Florida, he skated for Mike Keenan. Now, 25 years after Kravchuk made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks under "Iron Mike," he's assisting the legendary head coach with the Kunlun Red Star. Over the summer, the China-based KHL outfit hired Keenan, Kravchuk, and Bobby Carpenter to helm the Red Star's sophomore campaign. Kunlun drops the puck on their season on August 22nd.
I caught up recently with Kravchuk to talk about how Keenan has evolved over the years and his first impressions of China.
HockeyBuzz: Now you're Mike's assistant with the Kunlun Red Star. You played under Mike Keenan in many places -- in fact, you played your rookie year under him in Chicago, then your final NHL season in Florida. How has he changed over the years?
Igor Kravchuk: First of all, [from my perspective], there's a difference in between being a player and being an assistant coach. Number two, if you say it in the shortest way, he changed in a better way. He got better overall.
HB: He had a reputation when he was younger of being very tough on his players. Maybe too tough. Has that changed?
IK: I put it this way. There are two sides of the story all of the time. I would say from my view, he's very demanding on a lot of things. You did things right, he's no problem. I hope I responded well in many cases.
As a player, I saw that he [became] more understanding of the players' situations. He reads them better. He sees right away who's in shape. He approaches things in different way, explaining things to the young guys, which is probably the right way to do it these days. He's changed, believe me.
HB: Despite Mike's reputation for toughness, you played for him in three different cities. Now you're coaching under him. What about your game and personality helped you get along with him?
IK: I do what I have to do, what I'm asked to do. I try to respond as much as possible in the right way, in the right moment. Knowing Mike for 25 years, I don't mind at all working with him. I actually enjoyed it a lot.
One thing you have to understand: He has so much experience. He knows so much about hockey. This is a person that you will learn something new about hockey and preparation pretty much every day.
HB: And how have you enjoyed China so far?
IK: I've been there once, for a week. End of April, beginning of May. We did some work on the selection of the team. I like it. It's a great country with a great history and a great future.
I'm impressed with the politeness of the people. I'm impressed with the culture and how clean the cities are. It's a very interesting country to visit and to know more about.
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