Lokomotiv Yaroslavl defenseman Dmitry Simashev, who was selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the National Hockey League draft, shared his observations from the United States. His remarks were reported by Sports24.
“I spent a few days in Phoenix, and my focus was the arena and the hotel. Nashville impressed with its energy, but I noticed a level of grime and a noticeable homeless population in parts of the city. Miami stood out with strong contrasts, featuring luxury cars, stylish neighborhoods by the ocean, and again, visible homelessness. There is a city center where he resides,” Simashev explained.
Simashev was picked sixth overall in the first round of the NHL draft. He became the first Russian player to be drafted into the league’s system in recent memory. In total, four Russians were selected in the first round, with nineteen players chosen across the entire draft.
In the previous season, Simashev appeared in 18 regular-season games for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), contributing without scoring. This season, he has played 16 games and recorded one assist.
Earlier, Dmitry Simashev stated that there is no prejudice against Russian athletes in North America.