HFBoards - Ukraine: Ukrainians in the KHL talk

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Ukrainians in the KHL talk

Link to all players for reference

Discuss!

(the purpose of this thread is just for general discussion of any and all Ukrainian players in the KHL)

I have a question, and it's...where the hell is Anton But?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sokil (Post 54183369)

I have a question, and it's...where the hell is Anton But?

I believe he represents Russia internationally, like most people on that list.

I think there are only 4 Ukranians who currently represent Ukraine playing in the KHL. Donbass has a few more riding the pine, but who knows if they'll still be KHLers in the next couple weeks.

Sergei Varlamov, Maxym Kvitchenko, Gennady Razin and Konstantin Kasyanchuk. Outside of them there are no Ukrainians who are currently actually playing who represent Ukraine. Would be nice to see Gaiduchenko play for Ukraine in the near future. He could almost certainly take a backup role for Donbass.

I'll rephrase my question since maybe I was too vague (I made the list, you don't need to explain it to me ;) )

Where the hell is Anton But? He's not on any KHL roster from what I can see. Did he retire? Injury? Taking some time off?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sokil (Post 54185991)

Since he's only 32, I'd assume that he's either taking time off or recovering from an injury/surgery. He did play for Lokomotiv for a long time and after the crash, maybe he wants to spend time with his family while he can and mourn the loss of his friends. Maybe a bit far-fetched, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was related to this.

Sokil, any idea if any of the players on the list who've never represented anyone internationally will ever play for the Ukrainian national team? The guys I'm mostly referring to are Sergei Gaiduchenko and Denis Bayev, as well as guys who haven't played for Ukraine in a long time like Razin or Andrushenko. I know Ukraine is pushing hockey now and trying to improve the team, but are they having any luck with these guys? I won't even bother with Fedotenko, Ponikarovsky or Babchuk...

Also, do you think Andrei Mikhnov will ever make his way back to the KHL? I know he's struggled with injuries, but I always thought he'd be able to find a steady job due to his size.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty10 (Post 54186569)

With Gaiduchenko, I think it's a possibility that he's "bad enough" to make the team. That is, he's been holding off the FHU's advances in hopes of competing for Russia on the world stage, but the odds of him ever making a team are looking slim. Maybe he'll give up and decide to cave and just be happy playing at all?

No clue about Andrushenko, but don't Razin/Bayev/etc fall under those who are staying away so they don't get the 'import' label? With guys like these, I guess we can only hope Donbass signs them, or maybe Berkut (if they join the KHL) and that fear of job security isn't as big a factor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sokil (Post 54187043)

I was unsure about whether or not the import label still applied now that Ukraine is a KHL country. I was under the impression that all former-Soviet Republics who joined the KHL had shed the import title from their players who play on Russian KHL teams. I could be wrong though.

I really hope that Gaiduchenko, Razin and Bayev all decide to start representing Ukraine internationally. It would really be a boost to the NT and would compete with teams like Kazakhstan, Hungary and Slovenia to get into the WC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sokil (Post 54183361)

Link to all players

Discuss!

Impressive piece of work though I find that title a bit misleading because to me it seems like a "list of KHL players with some sort of connection to Ukraine". But still - interesting article.

On somewhat related note, I'm shocked that Shakhraichuk doesn't have his own wikipedia article.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozo (Post 54191821)

"list of KHL players with some sort of connection to Ukraine".

They all have Ukrainian citizenship, what more do you want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty10 (Post 54187285)

Yeah, that would be nice to see. If you happen to track down the official rules for import slots, be sure to post them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sokil (Post 54191913)

They all have Ukrainian citizenship, what more do you want.

I find it hard to believe. I don't think that, for example, Polischuk has the citizenship, same goes for the some of the younger players on that list. Also Andrushenko revoked his citizenship in order to be considered local player in Belarus league and so on.

But, please, don't take this the wrong way, it's fabulous peace of work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozo (Post 54192665)

Polischuk I think is the odd case, don't know when his family moved (I forget)

Andrushenko played for Ukraine at the WJCs. Seems to be an ongoing drama.

other guys got Russian citizenship, so they are dual citizens, especially the younger guys (yes, both countries have different laws on dual citizenship, but we're not in court so meh)

It's a mucky situation, I agree, but they are all (save for Vykhin) Ukrainian born, Ukrainian citizens, and Ukrainian trained to some extent. Splitting hairs over what happened once their careers got going is just that, mucky and not worth the inquiry IMO.

I am pretty sure Dennis Denisov isn't Ukrainian in any sense of the word. Yes he was born there, however I recall his family moved to Tver in 1987, so he would not be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship.

44% of kharkiv's residents considered themselves Russian in the 1989 census. So I am sure his family were just Russians living there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by finchster (Post 54412761)

I am pretty sure Dennis Denisov isn't Ukrainian in any sense of the word.

Any sense of the word? He was born in Ukraine. That's one sense, and honestly, it's best not to split hairs to add/remove. It is what it is. We can add a footnote to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by finchster (Post 54412761)

however I recall his family moved to Tver in 1987, so he would not be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship.

This is correct, he moved to Tver before '89, and it was a military family so they were stationed there for X amount of years before being reassigned. A lot of 'Russians' in Ukraine have military roots.

Quote:

Originally Posted by finchster (Post 54412761)

44% of kharkiv's residents considered themselves Russian in the 1989 census. So I am sure his family were just Russians living there.

And 75% of self-proclaimed Russians in Ukraine no longer identified with the Russian nation.[1] (food for thought, since you brought it up)

Apparently Atlant is looking to sign Babchuk; would be cool to see him and Zherdev reunited

Anton But finally appeared, and signed with HC Yugra, played the most recent game

poni interview, google translate

Quote:

- Were there any other options for a career during the lockout? Why chose Donetsk?
- Preference was given to "Donbass". Ukraine - my homeland, where I grew up and was educated. When an offer from the "Donbass" I do not consider any other.

- What are the goals for the game in the "Donbass"?
- We have to play as a team. Personal problems should not be, should be the task team. Now "Donbass" lost five straight games and, of course, need a win to get positive emotions. Need to win the next game.

- What are your impressions of the team itself?
- It will take a little time to get used to the area, the style of play that preaches team, as well, all happy, well, who welcomed. No problem. Until that day, with the coach "Donbass" was not acquainted. It is evident that this is an experienced head coach. The only question is the team to believe in themselves in order to fulfill the job coach and everything should be in place.

- Everything you expect from Fedotenko debut in a match with "Atlanta." What do you expect from the game itself?
- A little bit excited for a long time is not played. It will be interesting to play the first game. I think everybody understands what they need to do. Many of the players have played in the NHL. I think we will play and find common ground.

- What were the emotions of the day when you first heard about the Ukrainian club in the KHL?
- Do not believe it. So many years have passed, during which the progress in terms of development of hockey was not. For me it was a joyous occasion that someone has finally decided to revive hockey in Ukraine, open schools and get children, as it was in Soviet times. I believe that these people are doing a very good job. It's good for the national team, in front of which will be to return to the former position ... We would like to go to the Olympics in Sochi. The last time we played at the Olympics in Salt Lake City and would love to play another one.

- Relationship with Ukraine all the time not to lose?
- Of course. I often went to the journalists from Ukraine. Attention to itself felt all the time. I know that recently appeared in Ukraine hockey channel that shows NHL games. I knew that the last series of the playoffs looking in Ukraine. It's great.

http://hcdonbass.com/news/khl/alekse..._pervuyu_igru/

Fedotenko interview:

Quote:

Why did you decide to pursue a career is in the "Donbass"?
- I have always had a desire to come and play in Ukraine. Here I made my first steps in hockey, laid the first knowledge. In Donetsk appeared KHL team, so I decided to come here.

- How long did the negotiations?
- We are considering switching to the "Donbass" in the summer, but I would have liked to play in the NHL. Now declared a lockout. I just decided to come here and help the Ukrainian team.

- What do you think how long the lockout?
- I'm a player, and it's business leaders of clubs and leagues. Players in the negotiations is a very good specialist. He knows what to do. In any case, all the time will tell. I am glad that I was able to return home.

- Does the NHL point "of no return" after which the season just will not start?
- In the last lockout in January it was announced that we will not play. No one wanted to spend less than 30-40 games per season.

- "Donbass" confesses, fast-paced style of play. What style do you prefer?
- I can adapt to any style. Have not played in the Olympic rinks. Area other sizes here and playing style on the other. Spend a couple of games and get used to the site. Want to play and help the team. We need to show "Donbass" to the KHL good team.

- There is a possibility of your debut in the "Donbass" in a match against "Atlant"?
- At this point I have not yet spoken coach. I will work hard to win the "Donbass" as many games.

- What you can bring into play his new team?
- Perhaps the experience. I will try to give the team all that from me.

- What are the first impressions of the Arena in Donetsk and "Friendship"?
- Arena is good, the city is beautiful. I've never been in Donetsk, here quite comfortably. I took good team like everything is fine. I was happy with everything.

http://hcdonbass.com/news/khl/ruslan...mogat_komande/

http://hcdonbass.com/upload/iblock/036/Babchuk.jpg
http://hcdonbass.com/news/khl/anton_...nde_pobezhdat/

Quote:

On Saturday, September 22, to HC "Donbass" joined by a representative of the NHL - Ukrainian Anton Babchuk. Reaching the Donetsk late at night and barely rested from the road in the morning hockey player has trained with the new for a team on the ice arena "Friendship", and a new form of collecting, went to exit the series matches the hockey club "Donbass", which starts in Mytishchi. On the way to the venue of the next match HC "Donbass" in the regular season Kontinental Hockey League rookie Donetsk shared his first impressions of the new team.

"When it became clear that a lockout is inevitable, with my agent started contact KHL clubs, including Donbass ", - said Anton Babchuk background arrival in Donetsk. - Since the Rules before September 15 it was impossible to negotiate , I began to consider the proposal only after that date. I had a personal conversation with the leaders of the Donetsk club. I liked that the proposal was specific. Didn't think about it for long.

- Are attractive to NHL players of the National Hockey League?
- KHL - the championship is very high. National Hockey League in a better position with less platforms, television work and other things. Game in the NHL more dynamic, but I can safely say that a lot of KHL clubs are as good as the NHL, and may even exceed them. It is difficult to play and need to put a lot of effort to beat someone. I do not know for someone like, but for me the KHL - a very attractive league.

- As previously heard of HC "Donbass"?
- I knew that the team performs at Major Hockey League of Russia. There was talk that the team decided to be entered in the KHL. I could not believe that all happens so fast, but as we see, everything turned out well. I read the opinion of the first persons KHL plans Donetsk club. They said that the team owners are serious, that all corresponds to the KHL. Could only be happy that after so many years Ukraine will have a serious club.

- For sure, familiar with Clay Wilson?
- Last season he played in "Calgary". He was attracted to the first team, and there were a few games we played with them as a pair. Formerly known Alexei Ponikarovsky and Ruslan Fedotenko met only in the "Donbass". We played against each other in the NHL, but were not personally acquainted. Knew Sergei Varlamov and, perhaps, everything.

- What are the plans for a concert in HC "Donbass"?
- I definitely did not come form support. It can be maintained in the gym. I came to help the team win, laid out in every game. It is not known how long the lockout, because all the thoughts here.

- In Donetsk like?
- Arrived late in the evening, the city was able to see only the bus today. It is seen that pure, well-groomed, good roads, modern airport. In the Arena did a good upgrade because impressions are good, but the organization at a high level.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sokil (Post 54518159)

http://hcdonbass.com/upload/iblock/036/Babchuk.jpg
http://hcdonbass.com/news/khl/anton_...nde_pobezhdat/

Doing his best to flatter the KHL and give the NHL a little shot while it's down. Nice to hear his kind words about hockey in Ukraine.

Kasyanchuk is has been a 1st liner recently with Dynamo Moscow alongside Gorovikov and Anisin. Has 4 pts in 6 games, 3 are goals including in last game 7-2 win over Minsk.