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skoda max download freeNovember 29, 2004
Dynamo Article
In four games for Dynamo, Havlat is yet to make any kind of dent on the scoresheet.
About a week ago, a Russian hockey site published an interview with Marty (as well as a nice picture of him and his sticks). I've run it through Babelfish and cleaned up the results, but please keep in mind that a lot can be lost in translation, especially through an automated translator.
Martin Havlat - Heir to Jagr on Dynamo
On Sunday, another great player arrived in Russia. Last Tuesday, Martin Havlat of the Ottawa Senators signed a contract with Dynamo. At 23 years of age, he's the champion of the planet, and Jagr considers him to be his successor.
- Martin, what do you know about your new team?
- Absolutely before making a decision, I was interested in the position of Dynamo. It is a well-known team with long history. Now, this team is the leader of the Russian league. I know the young guys from the NHL, Datsyuk, Afinogenov, Chubarov, Markov. I've also heard much about Ovechkin, and, of course, am familiar with [Rosa?] and Bartecko. I am glad to play with them.
- How long did it take you to decide to sign with Dynamo?
- I thought for several days. The offer was good. And I decided that until the NHL come back, the best hockey will be in Russia. In my opinion, right now, the Russian league is the strongest league, after the NHL.
- The alternatives were?
- It wouldn't be nice to name the other clubs, but there were contracts offered. I decided that Dynamo was the best choice, and also, Moscow.
- What were important factors for you?
- The main thing for me is to play hockey. To play on a good team, in the company of professionals, against tough opponents, in order to keep sharp. But we quickly agreed on the other terms, I didn't require anything special.
- How soon do you plan to take the ice?
- On Sunday I took my first practice, but it's up to the coach when I play my first game.
- Why, besides hockey, did you choose Russia?
- Russia is a world super power, an enormous, beautiful country. And I would be able to see how people live here, and to learn to speak better Russian. As you can see, my Russian is far from perfect!
Like the majority of Czech players, Havlat began the season in his native country, playing for Znojmo. In 12 games he collected 14 points. On Sunday, he had his first practice with his new team.
- Impressions?
- I would say the practices are longer here, but less intense than in the NHL. I skated with Datsyuk and Vorobyev. I know Pavel well from the NHL, he is a great, unique player. I would be very happy to play with him. Everything so far is good. Though I haven't seen the Red Square yet, that is terrible!
According to unofficial information, Dynamo will pay Havlat $1.2 million for the remainder of the season.
Posted by jz at November 29, 2004 02:14 PM