Sergei Shirokov is a 23-year-old former CSKA Moscow KHL winger who got signed by the Vancouver Canucks in August of 2009. Shirokov is in the process of adjusting to the new League’s demands, and it is still a hit-and-miss game for him. Shirokov left behind a lucrative contract in Russia for a chance to play in the NHL. Right now, he plays for the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks the Manitoba Moose, but it looks like he is not letting the demotion become a bump on his road to the NHL fame.

Sergei Shirokov

I think what often gets missed by the press and hockey fans when it comes to up-and-coming foreign players like Shirokov, is how much of a transition it is sometimes to change leagues and get the same degree of success. Inspired by players like Jaromir Jagr and Alexander Ovechkin, we now expect instantaneous success with minimal time for adjustment from anyone who dares try out the NHL. But, is that a fair expectation to have?

I had an email interview with Sergei Shirokov to talk about his career and the rite of passage in the new League (answers translated from Russian).

YTFiles: Sergei, you are currently playing for the Manitoba Moose, and are the top scorer on the team. But, I am sure what you really came here for was Vancouver Canucks. When do you think you will be able to return to play for the Canucks again?

S.S.: Of course, I came to Canada to play in the NHL. I try to show good results and quality of the game. I am sure that I will still have a chance to play for the Vancouver Canucks, and I will try to use that chance fully.

YTFiles: You have signed with the Vancouver Canucks just four months ago and had to move here from Moscow before the pre-season. How easy was that move for you?

S.S.: My decision to sign a contract with the Vancouver Canucks was well thought-out. My family and friends supported me. The move itself was easy for me, and the adaptation was not a problem either. I had enough free time to see Vancouver. Of course, I have not seen everything, but I will have time to do that.

YTFiles: How is your English now? I heard it was a bit of a problem for you in the beginning. Are you still using an interpreter?

S.S: My English is a lot better now. I understand pretty much everything. But I still have lots of time – I will learn it.

YTFiles: Do you miss home?

S.S.: Of course I miss it! As soon as the season is over, I will fly to Russia.

YTFiles: Many Russian and Canadian papers were saying that you took some financial risks by leaving KHL to be able to play for the Canucks. Are you generally a risk taker?

S.S.: It all depends on the situation. As I am getting older, I try to make more well thought-out decisions. I can’t say that I took risks, I knew what I was going for.

YTFiles: The last Russian player whom Vancouver Canucks signed was Artem Chubarov who defected back to the KHL in 2004/2005. So that makes you the first Russian player to be signed by the Canucks in five years. Why do you think the Vancouver Canucks did not hire a single Russian player for the last five years?

S.S.: It is hard for me to say. I do not even know what the reason might be, but not all the NHL teams have Russian players in their rosters after all…

Sergei Shirokov

YTFiles: How different is it playing in the NHL versus playing in the KHL back home? I would assume there are some differences…

S.S.: There are indeed many differences. Currently, the level of the game is higher in the NHL, than it is in Russia. Also, the logistical issues are handled on a better level here. You are also treated completely differently as a player. That comes through in all the minor things.

YTFiles: In your previous interviews, you said that the training schedule in Canada is a lot more flexible than it is in Russia. Do you, in general, get told what to do or how to train here in Canada? Or, do you decide everything yourself?

S.S.: You decide everything yourself. You are simply given a schedule of the games and trainings. So yeah, everything is much simpler here…

YTFiles: I know that right now Vyacheslav Bykov (YTFiles – the head coach of the Russian men’s hockey team) is putting together the roster for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. If you get called upon to play for the national team, are you ready to be on the team?

S.S.: Of course, 100% ready!

YTFiles: What is your prognosis for the gold medal match in Vancouver? Many people are saying we will see Russia vs. Canada in the hockey final. How do you evaluate Russia’s chances to win the gold medal?

S.S.: It is hard for me to make any predictions. Of course, I want Russia to win the Olympic gold. But, there are many worthy opponents that our team will face. It will be interesting to watch all of the teams, but if Russia plays Canada in the finals, that will be twice as interesting.

YTFiles: The NHL is still in the process of trying to figure out if they are going to let the NHL players take part in the next Winter Olympics, which will be in Sochi, Russia. What are your thoughts on that?

S.S.: I think that the best players should represent their countries at the Olympics. I am sure managers of the NHL will make the right decision.

YTFiles: As a kid, have you always dreamt of being a hockey player, or did you have other options?

S.S.: I have not even dreamt of doing anything else. When I was three years old, my Dad taught me how to skate, and than I started training at the CSKA when I was in first grade. At thirteen, I moved to Moscow and lived at a special training school overseen by the CSKA. After I signed my first contract at forteen, I understood that hockey was in fact my profession.

YTFiles: You have now played a number of games in front of the Canadian audience. Do you feel that people here in Canada like and appreciate hockey more than people do back in Russia?

S.S.: No, I don’t think so. Russia and Canada are both hockey nations, and people love hockey both here and there. But in Canada, hockey is publicized a lot more than it is in Russia. And, even the way fans cheer is different!

YTFiles: Really? How so?

S.S.: It is hard to explain. But, in Canada people come to see the show, have a good time and relax. In Russia, I think, people put more soul into it and are just more emotional when they cheer. I mean, it is hard to compare, but I can definitely say that the support of the fans is something you feel whether you are in Russia or Canada, and you can’t thank them enough for it.

Big thank you to Sergei for letting me in on his career at this moment. Stay tune for more exciting interviews to come!

**All photos provided by Sergei Shirokov**