Ilya Kovalchuk: "Olympics more important than Stanley Cup"

Published by Alexander Zaitsev on Dec 19, 2009 11:47 AM in NHL
Ilya Kovalchuk:
Ilya Kovalchuk: "Olympics more important than Stanley Cup" (Photo © Elsa/Getty Images)

Russian forward Ilya Kovalchuk gave an interview to Russian site sportbox.ru where he talked about the Olympics in Vancouver.

RussianHockeyFans.com offers you a translation.

Q. How often do you think about the Olympic Games in Vancouver?
Kovalchuk: "Pretty often, but right now I'm focused on playing for the Thrashers. We got into a functional slump and now have to get out of it as soon as possible."

Do you agree that Russia has the best attack and Canada has the best defence? And what do you expect from the Russia-Canada game?
Kovalchuk: "Let's wait until February when we face Canada, if we face them at all. I don't think that Canada has the best defence, I'd rather say their defencmen are the most touted ones. The Swedes, Americans and Finns have very good defence too."

Is Olympics gold the most important prize for you in hockey?
Kovalchuk: "Comparing the Olympics gold and the Stanley Cup is hard. Every player treats these victories individually. For me as a Russian, who understands how much the Olympic gold means to the country, the gold medal is more important than the Stanley Cup ring."

Comments (1)
Ilya Kovalchuk Atlanta Thrashers Vancouver 2010 Olympics Stanley Cup

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jtlc

Jan 03, 2010 8:06 AM

pffffff Lord Stanley's Cup 1st and foremost. I can acknowledge an olympic medal dream for a rhythmic gymnist, but we're talking 'hockey'. Hoist Lord Stanley over your head, then your name engraved on him, Take him back to your home town and celebrate with your community. See how many of the local new-born babies will fit inside the Cup. A lazy, quiet afternoon to take his lordship fishing at your favourite,secret fishin' hole. I digress. Even the awesome looking 2010 olympic gold medal pales in comparison to that big, shining People's Cup. Exercise your UFA after the season and get on a Stanley Cup contender, preferably in a CHC uniform.

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