Maxim Afinogenov, Hockey genius
He has been acknowledged on both sides of the ocean as a legendary hockey player. “Quick Max”, “Afi”, “Crazy legs, “Red threat”- are just some of the nicknames given by fans to this incredibly fast and agile hockey player. Maxim Afinogenov sat down with us for pleasant chat about this most manly of sports.
AUTUMN 2012
You have been living in the USA for a long time and recently you moved back to Russia and started to play for the team SKA Saint Petersburg. Could you tell us whether it was difficult or easy to adapt after such a long time away?
While I was playing in America, near the end of the season I tried to come back to Russia. I always make an effort to go to Russia during my vacation time. It is because of this, I tend not to have difficulties in adapting. Adapting is not hard in your own home. There was only some difficulty adapting to the sports aspect. I spent so much time in the U.S I got used to North American hockey.
Many experts have noted the evolution of the KHL in the past few years, but NHL is still number one league in hockey. What is behind the success of the NHL from your point of view, and what should we take away from it? 5 years ago, the NHL was the only league, the best league for the past 100 years, and was provi-
ding the best players.
Now there is an alternative to the NHL. The hockey players have a choice: play overseas or at the KHL. Even though the NHL is considered more prestigious, one should remember that the KHL is only 5 years old and growing very fast. Moreover, ESPN translates league games and Americans and Canadians pay attention to that. The audience of the KHL seriously grew in the past few years. Many players even return to Russia after playing for the NHL. Because of that, the quality is growing and young players see how experienced the players are and they now have a new potential.
Hockey is unpredictable and that’s why it’s interesting.
In 2011 you participated in the KHL all-stars match. Many of your colleagues can only dream about it. How did that feel? Do you feel like a legend?
It was a very interesting experience. I was glad to work with guys from the other team who I
have known for a very long time. There were many challenges and the game finished with a huge score and the fans loved it. Anyways, from this game I only received happy emotions.
You know hockey inside and out.
However, are there any undeveloped skills you want to tackle?
I would not say that I know hockey inside and out. I like that it has room for improvisation. Every day you go out on the ice and use your skills, and improve the techniques that you learned a long time ago and develop something new. Hockey is a very dynamic sport. The game can change every second, just because of the incredible speed of it. Hockey is unpredictable - and that’s why it’s interesting.
Do you think you have you spent best years of your career in NHL?
Hockey players often peak at the age of 30. I don’t think I had best years of my career in the NHL. Right now I have a lot of energy and many goals that I have not realized yet. I started my career in the NHL when I was 18 years old and I had a lot of enthusiasm. And still today I am hungry to play just like before and I think for a sportsman this is normal. When enthusiasm disappears, then it is time to retire