Blue-chip prospect Vladimir Tarasenko talked about team Russia's chances for the upcoming World Junior Championships, clarified whether he'll use or not a visor and also about the team's captaincy.
The original interview appeared on Russian site "Molodost Sibiri" and RussianHockeyFans.com offers you a translation:
Vladimir, in a few days you’ll be able to play without a full face mask. Don’t you have enough of it?
It’s the opposite. I feel safer with it. Once I played without it, a friendly game in Poland, and in that game I got an injury.
And now you won’t be a little scared to play without it?
No, I won’t have any fear. I believe that the most scary that could have happened to me is happened already.
Do you have already a helmet with a visor?
Not yet. You have to get used to it and thus I decided to play the WJC with a full face mask.
What mood do you have heading to the WJC?
The best one, emotions are really positive. We have a very good group and I hope that in Canada we will fight for the gold medal only.
Will you be the team’s captain?
I don’t know. This question has to be asked to the teams’ head coach Vladimir Plyuschev.
Didn’t he name you captain in the last tournament?
Before of the tournament in St. Petersburg he approached me and told me that the staff took such a decision. Then he said it in the locker room. And no one raised an objection.
Now you’re a leader not only for the national team, but also for your KHL team, Sibir Novosibirsk. Isn’t it a pity to leave from your hometown club?
Sure it is, I didn’t really want to leave Sibir right now, but this is hockey and I have to be prepared to any change in my career.
Has it been easier to play since your father became Sibir head coach?
Each situation has its pluses and minuses. There are more responsibilities not only for me or for the team, but also for the person who is on the captain bridge.
How many goals can you score this year for Sibir?
I try never thinking about that. It’s a bad aim. Whatever will be, will be. Now our team started playing very well and this is thanks to all the players.
What are your future plans?
Up to December 18th I’ll be in Novogorsk for the WJC preparation camp, then we’ll fly to Canada and play two exhibitions against Switzerland and Latvia. The WJC kicks off on December 26th and I’ll return to Sibir around January 6th or 7th.
Last question, can you tell us your actual height and weight?
I’m 6’1” tall, and I weight around 200 lbs.
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