Denis Kulyash, a former defender who wore the colors of Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg and CSKA Moscow, recently spoke about a lighter side of his long hockey career. In a candid interview, he admitted that entertaining himself with practical jokes was something he did with enthusiasm during his playing days.
He recalled a controversial moment from his time with a Romanian club that is variously named in reports as Cixereda or Chiksereda. The anecdote centers on stealing the team bus and starting it at a gas station before speeding away. The driver chased after the bus, and Kulyash recalls the adrenaline rush and the fear that the situation could have ended badly. He acknowledged the act was illegal, yet he described it as part of a habit of pushing boundaries. He pointed out that his father spent his life driving buses and that he grew up in Omsk. The reaction to the joke varied: Russians and Europeans found it amusing, while the club administration warned that the stunt could have resulted in serious harm.
From 2019 to 2021 Kulyash played for the Romanian club, and in 2020 he obtained Romanian citizenship. Today he serves as the head coach of the Youth Hockey League club Captain, representing the city of Stupino in the Moscow region.
Reports have also connected him with a period in the United States amid discussions surrounding Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s records in hockey. While the exact details remain unclear, the conversations underscored his ongoing ties to the sport on an international level.
Beyond his playing days, Kulyash has built a coaching career that reflects his wide experience across leagues and countries. His approach with young players in Captain emphasizes discipline, skill development, and a sense of humor that keeps the game engaging, while constantly reminding aspiring athletes of the responsibility that comes with being a role model on and off the ice. This blend of competitive experience and mentorship marks his ongoing impact in Russian hockey circles, especially within the Moscow region’s development programs for youth players.
In summary, Denis Kulyash’s journey spans elite clubs, bold but risky pranks, and a steady shift toward guiding younger players. His story illustrates how a player can transform from a celebrated defender to a coach who aims to inspire the next generation while reflecting on the lessons learned from a career filled with memorable moments and international experiences. [Citation: Denis Kulyash interview].