American forward Alex Galchenyuk shared thoughts on Russia, noting the country’s stylish cities and passionate fans. His remarks, made in a casual interview, reflect his impressions of life and hockey abroad.
“Some venues are larger than those in the NHL. You still adjust to them, but you’re already used to many aspects of the game and travel. The cities differ from those in the United States, of course. I was struck by our trip to the Far East. It was a new experience for me. Russia is a big country with many time zones. We flew there and lived on St. Petersburg time. There are many stylish cities with devoted fans, and I enjoy when the stands are full,” Galchenyuk explained.
Galchenyuk joined SKA Saint Petersburg in August 2023. Prior to joining the Kontinental Hockey League club, the forward spent time with the Colorado Avalanche, competing in the National Hockey League and gaining experience against a broad mixture of styles and leagues.
In the current season with SKA, Galchenyuk has appeared in 42 games, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists. SKA remains one of the leading teams in the Western Conference, continuing a tradition of strong showings in Russia’s premier league and a record of consistent playoff appearances that draw strong crowds and loyal regional support.
CSKA Moscow captured the Gagarin Cup on the league’s 100th anniversary, with a historic victory on April 29. The club earned its seventh championship in a final series that extended the drama against Kazan Ak Bars, marking a milestone in the history of the trophy and in Russian hockey lore.
Former Dinamo Minsk player, reflecting on the broader landscape of the KHL, expressed a desire to see another Belarusian team join the league. His comment underscores the ongoing discussion about regional growth and the expansion of professional hockey within the Belarusian footprint.