Russia, Russians and resources.
While I was writing Like needles in the hay I became aware of the cultural minefield that are involved in writing about Russian players. I am still not sure how I successfully I navigated the issue within my own work, but one of the conclusions I came to was that one of the best ways to write more sensitively about any topic was to learn about it. So, on that note I present a small resource list of links and articles that may help anyone who is also interested in writing about Russian players, particularly Geno and Ovie during their early days in the league:
KHL:
"Paul Maurice embraces the differences of coaching in Russia" by Eric Duhatschek.
Some months ago, on his way to coach hockey in Russia, former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice bumped into one of his ex-players, Nolan Pratt, at the airport in Columbus, Ohio. Pratt had played in the Continental Hockey League (KHL) and Maurice thought he could get a quick primer on what to expect.
Okay, this article is a great source of information about the KHL from the eyes of a Canadian ex-NHL coach. The outsider view represented here is useful for anyone interested in learning or writing about the KHL, KHL players coming to the NHL or NHL players playing in the KHL.
"With N.H.L. Arenas Silent, an Overseas League Welcomes Stars and Buzz" by Andrew Roth.
The N.H.L. work stoppage, so maddening to North American hockey fans, has been a boon for the Kontinental Hockey League, which is enjoying its most high-profile season since its inception in 2008.
This is a really interesting lockout article about Russian NHL players playing in Russia. It has a number of quotes from members of the Russian media that are seriously, seriously fascinating. Like this one:
“It goes against our principles to wish ill upon another league, although I know that many have and continue to wish ill on the K.H.L.,” Alexander Medvedev, the president of the K.H.L., told the Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport this week.
And in particular, this one about Geno Malkin which does not pull any punches about his exit from the KHL:
“It was a boy’s decision, not that of a man,” said Igor Larin, a writer for Sport-Express, adding that few of the N.H.L. stars had lived up to their publicity.
Evgeni Malkin:
"The Russian Legacy: From Khatulev to Malkin" by Seth Rorabaugh.
Getting Evgeni Malkin into a Penguins uniform might prove to be the most significant transaction of Ray Shero's first off season.
This is a timeline of Russian players who have played and are currently playing the the NHL. Good for basic history.
"Evgeni Malkin: The boy, the rep ..." by Dave Molinari.
Mark Kelley, the Penguins' European scout, has watched Malkin play at least 30 times and seen him do some remarkable things. Still, Kelley seems struck most by something Malkin did not while competing in a game, but after being ejected from one.
It happened during a semifinal against Canada at this spring's under-18 championships in Belarus. Malkin, a center for Russia, received a game misconduct for a hit from behind and was banished to the locker room. Briefly.
"It was amazing how quickly he was back, shirt off, skates off, standing right beside the bench, with the rest of his uniform still on," Kelley said. "He didn't go in and throw his stick and sulk that he wasn't [in the game].
"He was the captain of the team. All the kids on that team point to him as the leader."
An awesome article written about Geno just before he was drafted.
"Rights on clock for Penguins" by Dave Molinari.
When the Penguins drafted Russian center Evgeni Malkin a year ago, they believed they could retain his NHL rights forever. With good reason. The league's collective bargaining agreement said they would. Related coverage Players assemble to ratify new CBA But the CBA is changing, and so is Malkin's situation.
Okay, this is the beginning of the Geno-coming-to-the-NHL saga. I'm sure you've heard the cliffnote version, but here is the play by play starting with this article and continuing in the next thirteen. Yeah. I know. But it's interesting, I swear. Read it alone for the quotes from Russian official (one of which calls Geno leaving to play in the NHL an act of "sports terrorism").
"Top pick in 2004 to stay in Russia" by Dave Molinari.
The Penguins had hoped to lure Malkin, their first-round draft choice in 2004, to Pittsburgh, but any realistic chance of that disappeared when Russian officials refused to participate in the transfer agreement negotiated by the NHL and International Ice Hockey Federation. That agreement establishes the fees NHL clubs must pay to secure the rights to European prospects.
Malkin's contract with Magnitogorsk does not include a provision that allow him out of the deal so he could go to North America, but Brisson believes Malkin will be able to work out a release with club officials.
"He doesn't have an escape clause at this point," Brisson said. "But I don't think Magnitogorsk will hold him back after he gives them an extra season."
"Malkin's arrival not a done deal" by Dave Molinari.
Twenty-nine NHL teams have to be pleased that Russian hockey officials appear to moving -- albeit at a glacial pace -- toward eventually signing off on a deal that would reopen the talent pipeline from that country to North America.
And one -- the Penguins -- should be downright ecstatic about it.
Mostly because Pat Brisson, managing director of IMG Hockey, which represents highly regarded prospect Evgeni Malkin, believes that's the team's only realistic hope of having him play here next season.
"Russian franchise might sue Penguins over Malkin deal" by Shelly Anderson.
According to the Reuters news agency, Velichkin told Russian reporters that he might sue the Penguins to make sure they buy Malkin's contract, which could cost the Penguins millions.
"We're not asking for [the negotiated transfer fee] from the Penguins," Velichkin said. "Such a sum is a handout, and we're not interested in handouts. Put simply, they must buy his contract from us."
And:
Malkin recently told the Russian newspaper Sport-Express that he is counting on playing for the Penguins this fall.
"I've already made up my mind for next season -- I'll be leaving for the NHL. I'm 100 percent sure of that," he said.
There had been earlier reports that Malkin had struck his own agreement with Magnitogorsk that would free him from his contract after this season, but that has never been verified, and Velichkin's statements seem to contradict such an idea.
"Malkin reportedly leaves Russian team in Finland" by Alan Robinson.
Evgeni Malkin, the star forward and Penguins draft pick who has said repeatedly he wants to play in the NHL, left his Russian pro team during a training camp in Finland on Saturday, various Russian news services reported. It was uncertain whether Malkin bolted from the team in an attempt to get to North America and play for the Penguins this season, but the Itar-Tass news agency, citing a source within the club, reported Malkin took his belongings and passport with him.
"Russian team vows to sue Penguins over Malkin" by Robert Dvorchak.
The general director of Malkin's hometown team in the Russian Super League told the Reuters news service in Moscow that he will sue to receive fair compensation if Malkin plays in Pittsburgh this season. He confirmed that the prized Penguins prospect jumped the team Saturday.
"We've put so much resources, effort and money into Malkin's development as a player," Gennady Velichkin told Reuters yesterday. "He was our gold diamond, our prized possession. He had a contract with us. We were building the whole team around him and now he is gone. But don't think we will just sit there and do nothing. We will go to court to get what we believe is just compensation."
Wow. This article. Nothing is held back. Nothing.
"Malkin's parents say he was pressured in Russia" by Chuck Finder.
It was a day when the Penguins prospect's father talked openly about how his son "snapped." A day when his mother and others portrayed him as a troubled young man pressured into making a 3 a.m. deal with his Russian team a week ago. A day when Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar compared the kid's flight to the Iron Curtain defections of Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Fedorov a decade and a half earlier. A day when the Metallurg Magnitogorsk general director accused the Penguins and the NHL of crimes against the hockey world, calling this "the theft of the century," even with 94 years still to go.
And this was only Day 3 of The Heck with Carmen Sandiego, Where In the World is Evgeni Malkin?
I seriously want to quote this entire article. 3am signings, his father being disappointed, Geno being called a national treasure, anti-American sentaments, every Russian in the NHL being annoyed into giving quotes. Seriously. Wow.
"Malkin's agents file exit papers" by Chuck Finder.
Taking that first legal step toward the resolution of placing their client in the NHL, Malkin's agents sent a fax to Metallurg Magnitogorsk and notified the Russian club's management that he intends to void the one-year contract he signed less than a fortnight ago. This resignation, legal in Russia (where hockey authorities reportedly are striving to close such a loophole), apparently was filed yesterday. Thus, that maneuver would free Malkin and make Aug. 30 as his start date to officially join the Penguins, with a contract signing considered routine.
"Malkin surfaces in Los Angeles" by Chuck Finder.
Russian hockey player Evgeni Malkin, surfaced yesterday, fittingly on an ice rink -- in Los Angeles alongside NHL players -- and apparently poised to sign, seal and deliver his services to the Penguins by month's end. Yet the latest plot twist in his global hockey melodrama unfolded half a world away, over a fax machine in his air-polluted steeltown home of Magnitogorsk.
Gennady Velichkin, head of the Metallurg Magnitogorsk team from which the player he called "a national treasure" fled last weekend, told Russian media yesterday that the contract termination sent the team was so unacceptable that the club's lawyer tossed it into the trash.
Mr. Velichkin added that the faxed, handwritten letter, part of the two-week's notice required under Russian law to void a contract, was a "crude falsification" bearing a signature that didn't resemble the one on the deal Mr. Malkin, 20, signed, reputedly under duress, in the wee hours of Aug. 7.
"Malkin's second guess led to his flight to U.S." by Robert Dvorchak.
Malkin said he was told last year that he would be free to go to the Penguins, but he felt he was being used as leverage by Velichkin to produce better terms. Metallurg officials believe that proper compensation would be in the millions of dollars.
"I'm very hurt. You cannot treat people like that. They promised me last year I would be free," Malkin told Malamud. "Now it turns out they're not going to keep their word while I am supposed to."
"Malkin's legal team waits for next move" by Shelly Anderson.
Today marks the end of the two-week period since Penguins prospect Evgeni Malkin gave notice that he wanted out of his contract in Russia, but his agent isn't sure what or when the next step will be.
"We're talking to legal counsel, and we'll go from there," Pat Brisson said last night. "Evgeni acted based on the [Russian] labor laws that are established. We're just playing it day by day."
"Malkin, Penguins deal is expected soon" by Shelly Anderson.
It's more and more likely that Russian prospect Evgeni Malkin will be signed and skating with other young players next week when the Penguins open rookie camp.
"Malkin to sign with Penguins tomorrow" by Dave Molinari.
The Penguins and Russian center Evgeni Malkin have agreed on all but the final few details of an entry-level contract.
"Malkin beats adversity, is signed, sealed and delivered" by Shelly Anderson.
It took Russian center Evgeni Malkin more than 26 months and some tense moments to get to Pittsburgh from the time the Penguins drafted him second overall in 2004.
It took him about 15 hours to get a sense of what life can be like for an NHL star -- off the ice, anyway.
And there we go. The play-by-play of how Geno left the KHL and joined the NHL. Also of interest, this article mentions the welcoming dinner Mario threw Geno:
There was dinner that night at Hall of Fame player and team owner Mario Lemieux's house, where Malkin joined, among others, general manager Ray Shero and players Sidney Crosby and Sergei Gonchar for filet mignon, lobster and a tour of a home full of memorabilia and trophies.
And Mario being awesome:
Lemieux understands the transition Malkin faces.
"I told him that I didn't speak any English until I came to Pittsburgh," said Lemieux, a native of Montreal who was the first overall draft pick in 1984. "I'm the perfect example that you can make it work. I know it's going to take some time, the first year or so, to get acclimated to a new culture, but I'm sure he'll do fine."
"Evgeni Malkin chats about injuries, cigarettes, Ovechkin, Don Cherry, Matt Cooke and the Russian Mafia" By Dmitry Chesnokov
What NHL team did you support as a child?
I think my favorite team, just like a lot of others', was Detroit. I watched their games against Colorado, and it left an impression. I had two favorite teams: Colorado and Detroit. Detroit, first of all, because of the Russians. It was nice to watch Fedorov, Fetisov.
Moving on, this is a 2006 article that most people have read or read quotes from. It's not particularly well written, but it does talk about everything mentioned in the title.
"Evgeni Malkin: 'My motivation now is very good'" by Rob Rossi.
Mike Kadar was curious how the 20 days he spent in Moscow this summer working over Evgeni Malkin would translate to Penguins training camp. He received his answer Monday morning. He walked into the Consol Energy Center workout room and saw Malkin, shirt soaked in sweat, waiting for him.
"First guy in the gym," said Kadar, the Penguins' strength and conditioning coach. "I'd never seen that before."
A 2011 article written before Geno took off in 2012/2013. It's a bit of a recap, but it suggests that the summer of 2011 was a turning point for Geno.
"NHL Lockout: Evgeni Malkin Continues to Shine in KHL for Metallurg Magnitogorsk" by Stephanie Lewark.
A short one but a good one with dates and basic info about Geno's performance during the lockout and how he is made captain of Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
"Magnitogorsk: Once Stalin’s Model Town, Now a Polluted Hell-Hole"
Haste makes waste. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Magnitogorsk, “city near the magnetic mountain” on the Siberian side of the Ural Mountains.
Okay, just by the title you might get scared off. But, this article does provide is a great depth of information and history about where Geno grew up. Of particular note (maybe a finicky note) for fandom, it details how although the city was going to modeled after Pittsburgh, when the architect/urban planner, Ernst May, arrived, the steel works and the housing for the workers had already been built. In result May was forced to create a new design for the city. So that Pittsburgh/Magnitogorsk similarity icebreaker? It doesn't really work. (Unless of course you're writing an architect au, when you could probably work it in. IDK. Facts are annoying I know).
"Magnitogorsk."
I would recommend reading this article too. It contains some of the same information at the previous one I recommended but it is less overtly political (although it is still political). It is in Russian, but it translates reasonably easily.
"We are desperate!" - 320 Magnitogorsk wrote a letter to Vladimir Putin"
This is an article from early 2012 about the social, and economic situation in Magnitogorsk, in particular the working conditions of the steel workers (mines are the key employer in Magnitogorsk). It's very political and personal. I'm not sure how useful is in fic writing-wise or in understanding Malkin. However it's powerful article about the lives of people in Magnitogorsk and will make you aware of some of the issues in Magnitogorsk.
"Magnitogorsk"
An library of images of Magnitogorsk! It's a great resource for images of the city, suburbs, and, well, everything in Magnitogorsk. Way better than google image, which, honestly kind of sucked. Of special note, keep an eye out for a series of images of a random donkey in the town square.
Alexander Ovechkin!:
The Alexander Ovechkin blog:
Okay, this blog has compiled a huge, huge amount of articles about Ovie from 2007 til today. What is espcially awesome about this resource, is the blogger has included articles from the Russian press. Some of the translations are better than others, but it's great to read articles from outside the Canadian/American press. Currently I'm writing an au about Ovie, so I've been going through the earlier articles.
"Young Russian player could be on Penguins' draft list" by Ken Campbell.
Alexander Ovechkin's English comprehension is impeccable and, thanks largely to what he calls "special channels" such as Eurosport and BBC Sport, he can string together rudimentary sentences.
Evidently, the young man can read the NHL standings with a certain amount of aplomb, as well.
"Maybe Pittsburgh," Ovechkin said when asked to name his favorite NHL city.
This was written pre-draft. What you can learn from this is apparently everyone wanted Ovie. Everyone. Also, this:
Ovechkin dutifully points to Lemieux as his favorite player -- never too early to curry favor with the guy who might be your next boss.
"Icing on top: Russia's Ovechkin plans to be No. 1 pick, player in the NHL" by Dave Molinari.
...ask Ovechkin if he has a hero in the NHL, and he doesn't mention Lemieux or Iginla or Nolan. Or anyone else, for that matter.
Except himself.
"I like myself," Ovechkin said. "I want to be No. 1."
Another pre-draft article.
"The hidden side of Sid" by Elliotte Friedman (which is actually more about Ovie and his not so hidden everything).
Q: Who would you have voted for in last year’s rookie race?
A: If I was not Ovechkin, I would have voted for…Ovechkin (laughs).
bb!Ovie&bb!Sid. That's all you need to know. Also, bb!Sid kind of had lame taste in films. But I doubt that surprises anyone.
"Once Cold, Now Cool, the Washington Capitals Have D.C. Abuzz" by Dan Steinberg.
"...even the team's little-known grinders are experiencing a different world. Defenseman John Erskine heard good-luck wishes while strolling through a Whole Foods on Tuesday. Workmanlike forward Matt Bradley was in a Chipotle with his father last week when a fan said hello. Coach Bruce Boudreau said he now gets recognized "wherever I go."
This was written back in 2009, and is a reminder of just how popular the Caps were. Seriously, a couple flew from Scotland to watch Ovie.
Misc:
"The Interview That Keeps Giving" by Katie Carrera. (Yes, that is the actual title).
And here is what we could learn about the assorted feuds of the Alexes, the Kid and Malkin. You can believe me when I say that Russian journalists would much rather write about goals and wins, but since this story is apparently a gift that keeps on giving, we deemed appropriate to get further into it.
For one, Alex Ovechkin apparently speaks to Sidney Crosby. Loud and clear at that, to the point where all the teammates of both players and a couple of officials would like to gather around and partake in the exchange. And here is another thing: Alexander Semin also speaks to Crosby. At least, according to Evgeni Malkin, and that is a bit of a surprise, to say the least. And here is the third thing: Ovechkin and Malkin - nope, still not talking to each other, presumably, because both are so busy talking to Crosby.
This is a kind of faily, awful and hilarious article about the so called feud between Sid, Ovie, Semin and Geno. My favourite part has to be the quote from Semin:
"I know what you are going to ask me about and I don't really want to discuss this"
And there we go, a scattering of things which may or may not be useful. Feel free to leave links or to share this with whoever might be interested.
KHL:
"Paul Maurice embraces the differences of coaching in Russia" by Eric Duhatschek.
Some months ago, on his way to coach hockey in Russia, former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice bumped into one of his ex-players, Nolan Pratt, at the airport in Columbus, Ohio. Pratt had played in the Continental Hockey League (KHL) and Maurice thought he could get a quick primer on what to expect.
Okay, this article is a great source of information about the KHL from the eyes of a Canadian ex-NHL coach. The outsider view represented here is useful for anyone interested in learning or writing about the KHL, KHL players coming to the NHL or NHL players playing in the KHL.
"With N.H.L. Arenas Silent, an Overseas League Welcomes Stars and Buzz" by Andrew Roth.
The N.H.L. work stoppage, so maddening to North American hockey fans, has been a boon for the Kontinental Hockey League, which is enjoying its most high-profile season since its inception in 2008.
This is a really interesting lockout article about Russian NHL players playing in Russia. It has a number of quotes from members of the Russian media that are seriously, seriously fascinating. Like this one:
“It goes against our principles to wish ill upon another league, although I know that many have and continue to wish ill on the K.H.L.,” Alexander Medvedev, the president of the K.H.L., told the Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport this week.
And in particular, this one about Geno Malkin which does not pull any punches about his exit from the KHL:
“It was a boy’s decision, not that of a man,” said Igor Larin, a writer for Sport-Express, adding that few of the N.H.L. stars had lived up to their publicity.
Evgeni Malkin:
"The Russian Legacy: From Khatulev to Malkin" by Seth Rorabaugh.
Getting Evgeni Malkin into a Penguins uniform might prove to be the most significant transaction of Ray Shero's first off season.
This is a timeline of Russian players who have played and are currently playing the the NHL. Good for basic history.
"Evgeni Malkin: The boy, the rep ..." by Dave Molinari.
Mark Kelley, the Penguins' European scout, has watched Malkin play at least 30 times and seen him do some remarkable things. Still, Kelley seems struck most by something Malkin did not while competing in a game, but after being ejected from one.
It happened during a semifinal against Canada at this spring's under-18 championships in Belarus. Malkin, a center for Russia, received a game misconduct for a hit from behind and was banished to the locker room. Briefly.
"It was amazing how quickly he was back, shirt off, skates off, standing right beside the bench, with the rest of his uniform still on," Kelley said. "He didn't go in and throw his stick and sulk that he wasn't [in the game].
"He was the captain of the team. All the kids on that team point to him as the leader."
An awesome article written about Geno just before he was drafted.
"Rights on clock for Penguins" by Dave Molinari.
When the Penguins drafted Russian center Evgeni Malkin a year ago, they believed they could retain his NHL rights forever. With good reason. The league's collective bargaining agreement said they would. Related coverage Players assemble to ratify new CBA But the CBA is changing, and so is Malkin's situation.
Okay, this is the beginning of the Geno-coming-to-the-NHL saga. I'm sure you've heard the cliffnote version, but here is the play by play starting with this article and continuing in the next thirteen. Yeah. I know. But it's interesting, I swear. Read it alone for the quotes from Russian official (one of which calls Geno leaving to play in the NHL an act of "sports terrorism").
"Top pick in 2004 to stay in Russia" by Dave Molinari.
The Penguins had hoped to lure Malkin, their first-round draft choice in 2004, to Pittsburgh, but any realistic chance of that disappeared when Russian officials refused to participate in the transfer agreement negotiated by the NHL and International Ice Hockey Federation. That agreement establishes the fees NHL clubs must pay to secure the rights to European prospects.
Malkin's contract with Magnitogorsk does not include a provision that allow him out of the deal so he could go to North America, but Brisson believes Malkin will be able to work out a release with club officials.
"He doesn't have an escape clause at this point," Brisson said. "But I don't think Magnitogorsk will hold him back after he gives them an extra season."
"Malkin's arrival not a done deal" by Dave Molinari.
Twenty-nine NHL teams have to be pleased that Russian hockey officials appear to moving -- albeit at a glacial pace -- toward eventually signing off on a deal that would reopen the talent pipeline from that country to North America.
And one -- the Penguins -- should be downright ecstatic about it.
Mostly because Pat Brisson, managing director of IMG Hockey, which represents highly regarded prospect Evgeni Malkin, believes that's the team's only realistic hope of having him play here next season.
"Russian franchise might sue Penguins over Malkin deal" by Shelly Anderson.
According to the Reuters news agency, Velichkin told Russian reporters that he might sue the Penguins to make sure they buy Malkin's contract, which could cost the Penguins millions.
"We're not asking for [the negotiated transfer fee] from the Penguins," Velichkin said. "Such a sum is a handout, and we're not interested in handouts. Put simply, they must buy his contract from us."
And:
Malkin recently told the Russian newspaper Sport-Express that he is counting on playing for the Penguins this fall.
"I've already made up my mind for next season -- I'll be leaving for the NHL. I'm 100 percent sure of that," he said.
There had been earlier reports that Malkin had struck his own agreement with Magnitogorsk that would free him from his contract after this season, but that has never been verified, and Velichkin's statements seem to contradict such an idea.
"Malkin reportedly leaves Russian team in Finland" by Alan Robinson.
Evgeni Malkin, the star forward and Penguins draft pick who has said repeatedly he wants to play in the NHL, left his Russian pro team during a training camp in Finland on Saturday, various Russian news services reported. It was uncertain whether Malkin bolted from the team in an attempt to get to North America and play for the Penguins this season, but the Itar-Tass news agency, citing a source within the club, reported Malkin took his belongings and passport with him.
"Russian team vows to sue Penguins over Malkin" by Robert Dvorchak.
The general director of Malkin's hometown team in the Russian Super League told the Reuters news service in Moscow that he will sue to receive fair compensation if Malkin plays in Pittsburgh this season. He confirmed that the prized Penguins prospect jumped the team Saturday.
"We've put so much resources, effort and money into Malkin's development as a player," Gennady Velichkin told Reuters yesterday. "He was our gold diamond, our prized possession. He had a contract with us. We were building the whole team around him and now he is gone. But don't think we will just sit there and do nothing. We will go to court to get what we believe is just compensation."
Wow. This article. Nothing is held back. Nothing.
"Malkin's parents say he was pressured in Russia" by Chuck Finder.
It was a day when the Penguins prospect's father talked openly about how his son "snapped." A day when his mother and others portrayed him as a troubled young man pressured into making a 3 a.m. deal with his Russian team a week ago. A day when Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar compared the kid's flight to the Iron Curtain defections of Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Fedorov a decade and a half earlier. A day when the Metallurg Magnitogorsk general director accused the Penguins and the NHL of crimes against the hockey world, calling this "the theft of the century," even with 94 years still to go.
And this was only Day 3 of The Heck with Carmen Sandiego, Where In the World is Evgeni Malkin?
I seriously want to quote this entire article. 3am signings, his father being disappointed, Geno being called a national treasure, anti-American sentaments, every Russian in the NHL being annoyed into giving quotes. Seriously. Wow.
"Malkin's agents file exit papers" by Chuck Finder.
Taking that first legal step toward the resolution of placing their client in the NHL, Malkin's agents sent a fax to Metallurg Magnitogorsk and notified the Russian club's management that he intends to void the one-year contract he signed less than a fortnight ago. This resignation, legal in Russia (where hockey authorities reportedly are striving to close such a loophole), apparently was filed yesterday. Thus, that maneuver would free Malkin and make Aug. 30 as his start date to officially join the Penguins, with a contract signing considered routine.
"Malkin surfaces in Los Angeles" by Chuck Finder.
Russian hockey player Evgeni Malkin, surfaced yesterday, fittingly on an ice rink -- in Los Angeles alongside NHL players -- and apparently poised to sign, seal and deliver his services to the Penguins by month's end. Yet the latest plot twist in his global hockey melodrama unfolded half a world away, over a fax machine in his air-polluted steeltown home of Magnitogorsk.
Gennady Velichkin, head of the Metallurg Magnitogorsk team from which the player he called "a national treasure" fled last weekend, told Russian media yesterday that the contract termination sent the team was so unacceptable that the club's lawyer tossed it into the trash.
Mr. Velichkin added that the faxed, handwritten letter, part of the two-week's notice required under Russian law to void a contract, was a "crude falsification" bearing a signature that didn't resemble the one on the deal Mr. Malkin, 20, signed, reputedly under duress, in the wee hours of Aug. 7.
"Malkin's second guess led to his flight to U.S." by Robert Dvorchak.
Malkin said he was told last year that he would be free to go to the Penguins, but he felt he was being used as leverage by Velichkin to produce better terms. Metallurg officials believe that proper compensation would be in the millions of dollars.
"I'm very hurt. You cannot treat people like that. They promised me last year I would be free," Malkin told Malamud. "Now it turns out they're not going to keep their word while I am supposed to."
"Malkin's legal team waits for next move" by Shelly Anderson.
Today marks the end of the two-week period since Penguins prospect Evgeni Malkin gave notice that he wanted out of his contract in Russia, but his agent isn't sure what or when the next step will be.
"We're talking to legal counsel, and we'll go from there," Pat Brisson said last night. "Evgeni acted based on the [Russian] labor laws that are established. We're just playing it day by day."
"Malkin, Penguins deal is expected soon" by Shelly Anderson.
It's more and more likely that Russian prospect Evgeni Malkin will be signed and skating with other young players next week when the Penguins open rookie camp.
"Malkin to sign with Penguins tomorrow" by Dave Molinari.
The Penguins and Russian center Evgeni Malkin have agreed on all but the final few details of an entry-level contract.
"Malkin beats adversity, is signed, sealed and delivered" by Shelly Anderson.
It took Russian center Evgeni Malkin more than 26 months and some tense moments to get to Pittsburgh from the time the Penguins drafted him second overall in 2004.
It took him about 15 hours to get a sense of what life can be like for an NHL star -- off the ice, anyway.
And there we go. The play-by-play of how Geno left the KHL and joined the NHL. Also of interest, this article mentions the welcoming dinner Mario threw Geno:
There was dinner that night at Hall of Fame player and team owner Mario Lemieux's house, where Malkin joined, among others, general manager Ray Shero and players Sidney Crosby and Sergei Gonchar for filet mignon, lobster and a tour of a home full of memorabilia and trophies.
And Mario being awesome:
Lemieux understands the transition Malkin faces.
"I told him that I didn't speak any English until I came to Pittsburgh," said Lemieux, a native of Montreal who was the first overall draft pick in 1984. "I'm the perfect example that you can make it work. I know it's going to take some time, the first year or so, to get acclimated to a new culture, but I'm sure he'll do fine."
"Evgeni Malkin chats about injuries, cigarettes, Ovechkin, Don Cherry, Matt Cooke and the Russian Mafia" By Dmitry Chesnokov
What NHL team did you support as a child?
I think my favorite team, just like a lot of others', was Detroit. I watched their games against Colorado, and it left an impression. I had two favorite teams: Colorado and Detroit. Detroit, first of all, because of the Russians. It was nice to watch Fedorov, Fetisov.
Moving on, this is a 2006 article that most people have read or read quotes from. It's not particularly well written, but it does talk about everything mentioned in the title.
"Evgeni Malkin: 'My motivation now is very good'" by Rob Rossi.
Mike Kadar was curious how the 20 days he spent in Moscow this summer working over Evgeni Malkin would translate to Penguins training camp. He received his answer Monday morning. He walked into the Consol Energy Center workout room and saw Malkin, shirt soaked in sweat, waiting for him.
"First guy in the gym," said Kadar, the Penguins' strength and conditioning coach. "I'd never seen that before."
A 2011 article written before Geno took off in 2012/2013. It's a bit of a recap, but it suggests that the summer of 2011 was a turning point for Geno.
"NHL Lockout: Evgeni Malkin Continues to Shine in KHL for Metallurg Magnitogorsk" by Stephanie Lewark.
A short one but a good one with dates and basic info about Geno's performance during the lockout and how he is made captain of Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
"Magnitogorsk: Once Stalin’s Model Town, Now a Polluted Hell-Hole"
Haste makes waste. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Magnitogorsk, “city near the magnetic mountain” on the Siberian side of the Ural Mountains.
Okay, just by the title you might get scared off. But, this article does provide is a great depth of information and history about where Geno grew up. Of particular note (maybe a finicky note) for fandom, it details how although the city was going to modeled after Pittsburgh, when the architect/urban planner, Ernst May, arrived, the steel works and the housing for the workers had already been built. In result May was forced to create a new design for the city. So that Pittsburgh/Magnitogorsk similarity icebreaker? It doesn't really work. (Unless of course you're writing an architect au, when you could probably work it in. IDK. Facts are annoying I know).
"Magnitogorsk."
I would recommend reading this article too. It contains some of the same information at the previous one I recommended but it is less overtly political (although it is still political). It is in Russian, but it translates reasonably easily.
"We are desperate!" - 320 Magnitogorsk wrote a letter to Vladimir Putin"
This is an article from early 2012 about the social, and economic situation in Magnitogorsk, in particular the working conditions of the steel workers (mines are the key employer in Magnitogorsk). It's very political and personal. I'm not sure how useful is in fic writing-wise or in understanding Malkin. However it's powerful article about the lives of people in Magnitogorsk and will make you aware of some of the issues in Magnitogorsk.
"Magnitogorsk"
An library of images of Magnitogorsk! It's a great resource for images of the city, suburbs, and, well, everything in Magnitogorsk. Way better than google image, which, honestly kind of sucked. Of special note, keep an eye out for a series of images of a random donkey in the town square.
Alexander Ovechkin!:
The Alexander Ovechkin blog:
Okay, this blog has compiled a huge, huge amount of articles about Ovie from 2007 til today. What is espcially awesome about this resource, is the blogger has included articles from the Russian press. Some of the translations are better than others, but it's great to read articles from outside the Canadian/American press. Currently I'm writing an au about Ovie, so I've been going through the earlier articles.
"Young Russian player could be on Penguins' draft list" by Ken Campbell.
Alexander Ovechkin's English comprehension is impeccable and, thanks largely to what he calls "special channels" such as Eurosport and BBC Sport, he can string together rudimentary sentences.
Evidently, the young man can read the NHL standings with a certain amount of aplomb, as well.
"Maybe Pittsburgh," Ovechkin said when asked to name his favorite NHL city.
This was written pre-draft. What you can learn from this is apparently everyone wanted Ovie. Everyone. Also, this:
Ovechkin dutifully points to Lemieux as his favorite player -- never too early to curry favor with the guy who might be your next boss.
"Icing on top: Russia's Ovechkin plans to be No. 1 pick, player in the NHL" by Dave Molinari.
...ask Ovechkin if he has a hero in the NHL, and he doesn't mention Lemieux or Iginla or Nolan. Or anyone else, for that matter.
Except himself.
"I like myself," Ovechkin said. "I want to be No. 1."
Another pre-draft article.
"The hidden side of Sid" by Elliotte Friedman (which is actually more about Ovie and his not so hidden everything).
Q: Who would you have voted for in last year’s rookie race?
A: If I was not Ovechkin, I would have voted for…Ovechkin (laughs).
bb!Ovie&bb!Sid. That's all you need to know. Also, bb!Sid kind of had lame taste in films. But I doubt that surprises anyone.
"Once Cold, Now Cool, the Washington Capitals Have D.C. Abuzz" by Dan Steinberg.
"...even the team's little-known grinders are experiencing a different world. Defenseman John Erskine heard good-luck wishes while strolling through a Whole Foods on Tuesday. Workmanlike forward Matt Bradley was in a Chipotle with his father last week when a fan said hello. Coach Bruce Boudreau said he now gets recognized "wherever I go."
This was written back in 2009, and is a reminder of just how popular the Caps were. Seriously, a couple flew from Scotland to watch Ovie.
Misc:
"The Interview That Keeps Giving" by Katie Carrera. (Yes, that is the actual title).
And here is what we could learn about the assorted feuds of the Alexes, the Kid and Malkin. You can believe me when I say that Russian journalists would much rather write about goals and wins, but since this story is apparently a gift that keeps on giving, we deemed appropriate to get further into it.
For one, Alex Ovechkin apparently speaks to Sidney Crosby. Loud and clear at that, to the point where all the teammates of both players and a couple of officials would like to gather around and partake in the exchange. And here is another thing: Alexander Semin also speaks to Crosby. At least, according to Evgeni Malkin, and that is a bit of a surprise, to say the least. And here is the third thing: Ovechkin and Malkin - nope, still not talking to each other, presumably, because both are so busy talking to Crosby.
This is a kind of faily, awful and hilarious article about the so called feud between Sid, Ovie, Semin and Geno. My favourite part has to be the quote from Semin:
"I know what you are going to ask me about and I don't really want to discuss this"
And there we go, a scattering of things which may or may not be useful. Feel free to leave links or to share this with whoever might be interested.