HockeyZone: You followed the events of the game in Cherepovets and St. Petersburg from the bench and then played two or three games in the Russian superleague. What are your first impressions of the Russian hockey championships?
André Racicot: The standard of Russian hockey is good but if compare it with the NHL one must point out that it lacks speed, shots on goal, and goals.

HockeyZone: As far as I know you have used the help of an interpreter but now you manage without his aid, don’t you?
André Racicot: I consider the hockey language an international one. With a few gestures I can catch everything. It is much easier for me as a goaltender because I have only one task which is to stop all shots on goal and try to make a shutout in every game.

HockeyZone: Have you ever thought about studying the Russian language?
André Racicot: I’d like to but I’m always pressed for time. Time that is what I need.

HockeyZone: How do you feel? Is it difficult for you to play now?
André Racicot: I had not had an active ice practice for a long time but went on regular physical training. So now I feel quite at ease. In the evenings I read the books and listen to music which I’ve brought from Canada. It helps me greatly to relax after the games.

HockeyZone: You played for the Montreal Canadiens. Have you already made acquaintance of Russian NHLers through your time with the Canadiens?
André Racicot: There are a lot of Russians in the NHL but I’m really acquainted only with Oleg Petrov. I played with him in Montreal.

HockeyZone: You are not the first Canadian pro hockey player in Russia. Do you know your fellow countrymen playing here?
André Racicot: Sure! First of all I know my colleague Vincent Riendeau. There was a time when we played against each other in the NHL.

HockeyZone: Do you think that more Canadian players will take part in the Russian hockey championships sooner or later?
André Racicot: That’s difficult to answer. First, it depends upon how we play here as pioneers in the Russian hockey championships. If we manage to show what we can in hockey then our fellowcountrymen will be much in demand.