[News] Sharangovich - new 2 hour interview

[CliffFletcher]

Thanks for writing these up.

Reminds me of the Zadorov interviews. These Belorussian/Russian interviews are epic. It’s hard to imagine a North American NHLer agreeing to a half-hour interview, let alone a two hour one.

[gvitaly]

57:09 Serious injury, a month on stretch marks, return to hockey

- There are certain hockey qualities that make you stand out. The most basics are that you're a good two-way player, you're always dangerous on the attack, and you're a pretty big guy. Let's talk about that in a bit more detail. If we're talking about your physical qualities, they're very good, you have very powerful legs, but not many know that it was due to a situation you found yourself in. You had an injury, and you had to work two or three times as hard.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

In all honesty, my legs weren't that small in my youth, either. When the injury happened, I broke my leg. I was around 14. It was in Raubichi. It was a very tough break, I broke my femur[thigh-bone], which included a displacement, and bone shrapnel.

- It could've ended your career

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I didn't think about that.

- Many finish their careers because of such injuries.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I wasn't thinking about it. I was thinking about getting back on the ice. I spent a long time at the hospital. First I was on bed rest for two weeks, I couldn't get up at all, as they were stretching my legs out. My bone still wouldn't straighten/re-align, after that they decided to go with the surgery route. With hindsight, it would've been better if I went with the surgery right away, and put the plate in. That's because I was laying down without getting up for a month.

It was a difficult stretch, because I missed 8 months of hockey. I started playing with the plate still inside. I always kept nagging my doctor, asking: “when can I get back on the ice, when can I get back to the gym”, so I could start strengthening the leg muscles, and go through the physical therapy. Reluctantly, he agreed to let me train, while “taking it easy”, I always pushed it to the limit.

- I wanted you to tell that story, because from the side you always look like such a smiling, positive individual, and it seems as though things are easy for you, making huge strides, joining the national team at 18. Not many know that you had to put in the work, the sweat, and still was close to ending your career prematurely.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Sergei Belov, and Surulenko, played a big part. They didn't just take me off the team, and didn't just write my name off. They were still keeping a spot open for me, because they knew/believed that I will be back. A different coach might not have wanted me.

I came back, and started strengthening the leg, went through the physical therapy. We had a very good doctor, he sent us to a different facility/hospital so we could rehab the leg. He was very helpful in that regard.

01:00:34 The hardest time in my career
- Was this the most difficult time in your career?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Probably, yes. Maybe.

- Which is the hardest?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

The hardest is when a season isn't going well.

- Like your 3rd season in NJ?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yes, probably that was it. It was very difficult psychologically.

- Why did it go like that? Your first season was great, the second excellent, and the third... To those that didn't know you it seemed as though you lost a step, you were playing less, being healthy scratched.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

The last year [in NJ], was the same as the other two, in pre-season I was playing on the first two lines with Hischer and Hughes and everything seemed fine, but in the end as I arrived for the first game of the season I found myself on the 4th line. I didn't understand, what was the reason behind it. I thought I played well in pre-season, so I couldn't wrap my head around the demotion. From that moment on, my role on the team changed for the entire season.

- It was right from the start of your 3rd season?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yes. I just became a bottom-6-player.

- You didn't get the opportunity to play higher in the lineup. Did you get an explanation behind it?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I was just told that I'm not showing/playing that type of game. I'm also not the type of person that would complain, or call my agent so that he would start... Actually, that season, I think I called my agent once.

- You couldn't take it anymore?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yes, I remember asking Dan, what was the reason behind it. I couldn't figure out what was going on, and why the attitude towards me changed so drastically.

- What about going straight to the coach and talking about it?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

It's just my personality. I won't go talk to the coaching staff myself[Aside: The way he says it, he means that he won't start a conflict over it].

- What about the coach himself, did he approach you? Tell you what you were doing wrong?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I already have a hard time remembering the bad times, after having such a good time this season.

- It's hard to remember, but I just want our listeners to understand that there are different circumstances. You were playing well in the first season, despite the organization being in the bottom of the standings. You play well in the first season, get better in the 2nd, and in the 3rd they essentially tell you thank you for your service as a stop gap, and you're a 3rd/4th line player now. The relationship obviously changed. It wasn't as though the quality of your game dropped. I even heard rumors that because you had your first son, a lot of your time goes towards him. Not that you don't get any sleep, because I'm sure that Dasha would insulate you in that regard.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Those are just rumors, because my wife is great in that regard. She was helping a ton then and is still helping now. I was sleeping on the first floor. She always made sure I had enough sleep before practices and before games. My agent also told us that we had to get a nanny, because Dasha still gets tired. Even though I help on the weekends, but when it's a game day, and Dasha would tell you the same thing, it's as though I'm almost not home that day. I go to practice in the morning, come back for lunch my wife made, I often eat at home before games. I go to sleep, and then drive to the game right after. Not all wives would be able to help out so much.

- Other rumors, mention that NJ's coach, Lindy Ruff, wasn't speaking to you very much in the 3rd season.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Let's not talk about the bad stuff.

[Enoch Root]

I hope people are reading this stuff, and it's too bad Jersey fans aren't, because this is a great example of how opportunity, and confidence, are so important. Fans were trashing the trade, claiming he isn't a top 6 player, saying he was demoted because he isn't any good, saying we got Jersey's hand-me-downs, etc. But as usual, most fans have no idea what is going on, and just look at points.

Kudos to Conroy and the pro scouts for recognizing him and being on top of an opportunity. And Kudos to Sharagovich for taking advantage of that opportunity - which is easier said than done, after a difficult 4 months.

Thanks for taking the time to translate all this - Sharagovich is clearly a cerebral guy and I have really enjoyed reading his comments on things and hearing about his experiences. We don't often get this much detail - or much of anything, other than the cookie cutter soundbites they are taught to administer.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I hope people are reading this stuff, and it's too bad Jersey fans aren't, because this is a great example of how opportunity, and confidence, are so important. Fans were trashing the trade, claiming he isn't a top 6 player, saying he was demoted because he isn't any good, saying we got Jersey's hand-me-downs, etc. But as usual, most fans have no idea what is going on, and just look at points.

Kudos to Conroy and the pro scouts for recognizing him and being on top of an opportunity. And Kudos to Sharagovich for taking advantage of that opportunity - which is easier said than done, after a difficult 4 months.

Thanks for taking the time to translate all this - Sharagovich is clearly a cerebral guy and I have really enjoyed reading his comments on things and hearing about his experiences. We don't often get this much detail - or much of anything, other than the cookie cutter soundbites they are taught to administer.

That's actually a big part of what gets me excited for the upcoming season. There will be a ton of opportunity, at forward, on the backend, and even in goal.

It's going to be tough at first, but I'm pretty sure that someone will emerge as a top 4 D, and someone as a starting goalie. There's also a great opportunity for a couple of prospects to take over the #2C role. Meanwhile, the trade deadline will offer even more openings in the top 9, and on the PP.

PS: I wasn't too happy about the Sharangovich trade at the time, because it cost a lot to bring Toffoli. At the time, I thought that Sharangovich was worth less than a 1st. With hindsight, had we gotten the 10th overall for Toffoli I would've been pretty ecstatic. Finally, I often tend to assume that an organization tends to healthy scratch someone in the playoffs because they know something the Flames don't. I'm very glad it wasn't the case.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

That's actually a big part of what gets me excited for the upcoming season. There will be a ton of opportunity, at forward, on the backend, and even in goal.

It's going to be tough at first, but I'm pretty sure that someone will emerge as a top 4 D, and someone as a starting goalie. There's also a great opportunity for a couple of prospects to take over the #2C role. Meanwhile, the trade deadline will offer even more openings in the top 9, and on the PP.

PS: I wasn't too happy about the Sharangovich trade at the time, because it cost a lot to bring Toffoli. At the time, I thought that Sharangovich was worth less than a 1st. With hindsight, had we gotten the 10th overall for Toffoli I would've been pretty ecstatic. Finally, I often tend to assume that an organization tends to healthy scratch someone in the playoffs because they know something the Flames don't. I'm very glad it wasn't the case.

That is an interesting point. But I think if we had gotten their 1st in the Toffoli trade, they would have been even more motivated to make the playoffs, and likely would have found a way to get the Markstrom trade done at the deadline. Interesting how different it might have played out. But the flip side is that Sharangovich has value, and there is more coming to the Flames on this trade tree yet.

[gvitaly]

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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

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.

[jaikorven]

Still gotta say thanks for all the effort with these translations, gvitaly.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by jaikorven

Still gotta say thanks for all the effort with these translations, gvitaly.

Almost done, and you're welcome, but it has been a bit of a grind... So I'm taking a bit of a break before finishing the last little bit.

PS: I hope I didn't make too many typos, because I didn't proofread anything.

[jaikorven]

No, you made barely any, maybe none that I can remember. All good!

[gvitaly]

01:51:55 Cooperation with Betera
- Let's talk about your cooperation with Betera[gambling], you're an ambassador. There are actually 3 amabasadors: Misha [Grabovsky], Lesha [Alexei Protas], and you. You and Lesha aren't making any game predictions. Did you agree to it beforehand, that you won't be making any active predictions as active players?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I don't think that the rules would allow us to make predictions. The league's[NHL's] rules won't allow us to even discuss games.

- So Misha, as a retired player, can give his opinion as an expert, and you two are just ambassadors for Belarus in that league. So your cooperation consists of: today Yegor or Lesha are playing, make your picks accordingly.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yes.

- Talking to fans and representing is also a part of the job.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yes, but we're not allowed to do what Misha does.

- Do you ever make any predictions for yourself about NHL games. As in, this team is going to beat that team. Or you don't really follow that during the regular season and playoffs?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Well, during the playoffs, I had someone ask me who I thought the favorites were. I gave it some thought then.

01:53:25 A couple of difficult questions
- I thought it would be Carolina.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I think we'll win it next year! Calgary!

- You predict that every year.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Why?

- Were you asked that question last year? As in, who would be the Stanley Cup winner?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

No.

- So you are ready, sitting around this table, to say that Calgary are going to be the champs next year? Will Calgary make the playoffs next year?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yes. That's the first goal, make the playoffs.

- Will you play more games with Solovyov next year than you did this season?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I hope that I do.

01:53:47 About money, private life and outside discussions
- You're at, I don't want to say the peak of your career, a very good point in your career that keeps getting better. It's a big league, a very high level, and like other elite athletes you have certain perks. Your contract, I mean the monetary compensation for your work. It's pretty common in international sports, but as we already mentioned today, many seem annoyed by it. What do you think of those people?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I don't really get it. Everyone fantasies about driving a nice car as a kid. Why, if you dedicate your entire life to hockey from the time you're 4 years old, you can't buy yourself a nice car? Because then there will be someone talking about it in a bad light.

- Because that someone couldn't buy it for him/herself

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Right. Dasha was reading some of those comments on social networks, to a point, even showing some to me. One interesting comment I remember was after New Year's. Dasha bought me presents, I bought her, and we had a bunch of packages under the Christmas tree. I think we left the packages themselves under the tree for about 4 months, actually.

- Were those packages from Cartier?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

No.

- Because I remember those on Instagram a while ago. That's right, that was still in NJ.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

So that person only noticed a Gucci package. That person wrote something along the lines of: “I'm disgusted by that family, I stopped cheering for them”. Well, you get it.

- Why? Because you bought a person you love a present for new years?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Probably. That's the only one that was interesting and really stuck with me. I'm sure there's more people like it. That's why I stopped reading comments during my first season with Dynamo. I don't understand what's so special about it. Everyone spends a ton of time on social networks, so I don't know why I shouldn't post something that other people deem excessive.

In my first year in Dynamo, I was worried about posting certain stories, because I thought that people would judge me because of them.

- Those are just strange stereotypes. I get it if someone that didn't do an honest day's work has a nice car, or buys Gucci, but if it's someone that's making market rate. The market dictates that someone is paid $1,000, someone $100,000 and someone else Millions. What do you think about it if it's fairly made money?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

It's a difficult issue to discuss. I just think that I should be able to post anything to Instagram. As in, why can't I just post my personal life on Instagram, without having to think about how it might affect someone.

For example there was a post with a beer bottle. Many Americans post pictures of themselves with a beer bottle.

- That's true, but said person doesn't do that behind the bench, but in his free time.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Now there will be an article.

- There definitely would be, that you actually drink beer, as a 25-year-old.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

There's actually a new portal that takes Dasha's [Instagram] posts and make each of them into a news article.

For example, we were on vacation, and there was an article for almost every story post.

- A separate article?

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Well, maybe not for every story post, but for 50% of them. So after the vacation was done, there came out a separate article combining all the previous ones.

- Well that's cool, you created someone a job.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

It's just very interesting[that someone would bother doing it]. It has been happening for quite a while.

- That's a part of your job as a public figure.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

Yeah, but it was a sports news portal. What does my vacation have to do with it? That's the part I have a hard time grasping.

Sometimes we even show our Russian friends. Nikita Okhotyuk [and his wife/gf] visited us. So we showed them that anything we post in the stories ends up as news. I don't know why they do that.

- Just to generate content and clicks. You're a popular athlete and someone would want to read about you. I guess that's just a matter of quality, and how seriously the person that's writing those articles treats his work.

Originally Posted by Sharangovich

I agree.

Here's the talked about portal's vacation article just because I'm sure you're all interested in Sharky's personal life lol. I'm very happy to be done with this one, because the last 2–3 posts seemed like a bit of nothingburger.

[Ba'alzamon]

I like the enthusiasm predicting Calgary to win the cup lol