Should I tell him or do you want to do it?
DON'T DO THIS ANY MORE
Granted, this will be another sloppily translated story stolen from a Russian newspaper, but stick with me.
Chris Simon landed in Russia yesterday to train for his season with Vityaz Checkov in the Kontinental Hockey League, and gave an interview with Sport Express (click for moon language). Most of the answers were what you’d expect, but Simon seems unclear on what his role will be.
(Note: All very roughly translated because I am bad with the Ruskie talk.)
Russian hockey lovers you perceive primarily as a credible fighter. How are you going to play?
That is the understanding in Checkov, but I am waiting to see the quality of the game and the leadership qualities (I can give). I came to play hockey and I want to help the team by using my skills the best I can. If I have to fight, no problem, but the game comes first.
If you start to regularly score goals, many will be surprised…
But it will be a good surprise, right?
Uhh, Chris, buddy? Yeah I hate to be the one that has to break it to you, but fighting’s not really a big thing in Europe. Apart from Krzsztof Oliwa, name one European that is or was a true enforcer. I’ll wait.
..
….
…….
Okay. So please, let’s understand together, Chris, that the name of the game over there is stickwork, and it’s accepted. I wouldn’t recommend hauling off and pummelling the first guy that slashes you on the shin unless you want to end up in some Siberian gulag. That’s just how they roll over there.
Simon said he’s drawn the “right lessons” from his past, err, many indiscretions. Let’s just hope there’s not another one.
