01:44:21 Friendship with Grabovsky
- When you played for Dynamo, Mikhail Grabovsky was a part of the coaching staff. You trained with him, including individual lessons, then Misha left, so you were one of the lucky few that got to work with his as a coach, that can share his experience. Based on contents on social networks, and the stories other guys tell me, you have a pretty good relationship. You hang out when you get the chance, how close are you really? When was the last time you met?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
I started to talk to Misha even before that. When I left to the US, to play in the AHL. He either called me or texted me back then. Saying “this is Misha Grabovsky, if you have any questions or need anything, let me know”. So our relationship started from my time in the AHL. Every time we played in Toronto, we'd go out for dinner, he also came and watched the games. Then in phone calls after he would point out different details in the game. So yeah, we have had a good relationship for a very long time.
When I came over to Dynamo from NJ, we were already buddies, but had to change the relationship a bit because he was a part of the coaching staff. I had to use formal speech when addressing him, acting a bit different around him. Outside the rink, we'd still talk, but I was using a lot less familiar language, because Mikhail's status changed, he was the coach after all. The relationship still stayed good though.
After I left Dynamo, we came back to how it was. Whenever we call each other, we discuss the games he watches. He came over to Calgary when we played Buffalo, that was the first time we hung out this year. When I'm in Toronto he always invites me for dinner, it's a sort of tradition. We go to the same restaurant and have dinner.
This year he even flew to Calgary to see us with his son. He couldn't make it to NJ, but made it to Calgary.
|
- So you always feel the support.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
Yes, and we call each other often. In our last conversation, we were even talking about when he was planning to fly out of Belarus. We might go to Turkey together. Spend 3–4 days together, and then he would fly out to Canada, while I fly back to Belarus.
|
01:47:23 Increased attention
- You're one of the most famous Belarusian athletes. You're a player that's known in various countries, and on the national team level. [Proceeds to name famous Belarusian athletes] and Yegor Sharangovich, you represent the country, and are a model to younger fans that might decide they want to play hockey. Do you feel that fame? Or not really think about it? You're being watched by a lot of people, and not just Flames fans.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
I get told that a lot, and asked about it. I don't really feel famous. Misha Grabovsky was saying the same thing.
|
- While you're playing, you're thinking about the game?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
Yes, but obviously I have to set a good example.
|
- I guess that's a better question for 10 years from now?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
It's a tough question.
|
- Okay let's go at it this way, if you had the choice between driving a car with tinted glass, or without, which one would you choose. Are you more closed, and prefer to avoid the attention, or more open to being watched.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
I'm more closed.
|
- So you would've preferred to walk in a hoodie, just so people don't recognize you?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
Not quite. If someone recognizes me on the street, I don't mind it. I wouldn't avoid someone on purpose. I wouldn't mind saying hi, and taking a picture with them.
|
- So you wouldn't try to dodge fans/people? Say if you're going to a grocery store, and you know you're going to get recognized, are you going to try to play things out in a low-key, do your thing quietly and leave. Or just walk around normally.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
I'd just do things normally. Especially if there are people there waiting for me.
I actually have a story about a bit of an awkward situation. It happened in the Minsk arena, when I came to a [watch] game. During the intermission, I was asked to sign various things. Eventually, I spent the entire intermission on it. I still didn't get to everyone, so I promised some guys I'd sign their stuff after the game. Unfortunately, I had to leave 8 minutes early.
|
- Was it the national team that called you?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
Yes. I ended up leaving the game early. Then they wrote about it on Instagram.
|
- That you promised, and didn't deliver?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
Yes. Dasha and I discussed it and thought about turning around, and making things right, but my son was home alone, well not alone.
|
- Yeah, I understand
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sharangovich
I still feel pretty bad about it, because I already promised. So now we're looking for a way to make it up to them. We might do a photoshoot, or something, so we can fix it.
|