The head coach of the
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, Nickolay Solovyov,recently commented on the status of Canadian
goalie Racicot: "In fact, I think André is not yet ready physically and
psychologically to play in the Russian Hockey Super League. You see he had no ice practice
since April 1999. That’s why he had to work hard. I really worried by the absence of
his ice practice."
Were you surprised by him not being in good shape?
"Yes, to be honest. Nevertheless let’s wait a bit. I’m
not the kind of man who jumps to conclusions."
How did André settle down here?
"There is a kind of "house for sportsmen" in Nizhnekamsk
where a lot of soccer players live with their families. We settled him there as well.
There are all modern conveniences in his apartment."
Can you tell how much money André will get in Russia?
"He is not yet under a long-term contract. We must see him in
action. He will get as much as the best players of our team. He’ll get the bonus for
wins and shutouts."
In what way do you solve the problem of the language barrier?
"The Canadian has an interpreter from French. As for ice practice
this PRO player has no misunderstanding in the language of hockey."
Racicot finally played his first game in the Russian Hockey Super
League on Friday November 19,1999. His team was beaten 2-1 by Molot Pricamye. He faced 15
shots on goal. Not bad for the first time.
