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Author: Anna Bekisheva (Championat Publication)
Translated By: Eugene Belashchenko

Date: 07/09/2007

Alexei Cherepanov: Again I have to prove who I am & what I am worth

2007 Russian Super League

Alexei Cherepanov while skating for Russia's national team (Photo Source: HC Avangard Press)

The last couple of months have included so many different experiences for the young Avangard forward Alexei Cherepanov (New York Rangers). He has experienced enough for an entire year. It included the draft, at which Cherepanov was the first Russian selected, but only under the 17th overall pick. Also it was America, where the draft preparatory tests also took place, and it was him getting acquainted with his NHL club, the Rangers. Also it was his new apartment in Omsk, his new car, and finally his elevation in status from a �green� forward, who �shot up� the Russian charts, to a young and talented player of whom the demand and expectations will be appropriate.

Cherepanov shared his impressions about all this in an interview with Championat.ru after he finally returned to Omsk. Now, he is getting ready for the new season along with the recently returned from vacation HC Avangard.

Before leaving for Columbus to the draft you, as we remember, was very calm. But at the draft itself you were very nervous. Why is that?
A. Cherepanov: To be honest, at first I was, of course, worried. However, when everything started, I calmed down quite quickly. I decided � what will happen, will happen anyways.

But everything ended up not at all how it was expected � right? Right now, when the emotions have settled, how do you evaluate your results at the draft? 17th place � is it too low for Cherepanov?
A. Cherepanov: I am quite pleased with my results at the draft. Yes, I was 17th. But I am very glad that the Rangers picked me. It is an excellent team, in which everything is organized very well. I spent a week in New York, trained and got acquainted with the team and its history. We were in the team�s practice facility, as well as in the Madison Square Garden. My impressions were only positive.

In the North American press, wrote, that you impressed everyone in Canada with your smiling and openness. If someone offered you to take part in a commercial or become a representative of a company � would you agree to do it?
A. Cherepanov: I don�t even know. No one really offered it to me yet (laughing). But, if such an offer came�then (becomes serious) � I would at first discuss it with the club and my agents. If everything works out, then why not?

How agents to do you have?
A. Cherepanov: Two. One in Russia and Jay in America.

Has your North American agent been in service for a long time? When were you invited to the draft?
A. Cherepanov: A year ago. He found me in Russia and offered me his services. Right now I am satisfited with everything he has done.

It�s probably not a secret for you, that recently the Russian and elsewhere rumors have circulated that Cherepanov will definitely plan to leave for the NHL after this season. Your American agent said the same thing as well. What is your comment regarding this situation?
A. Cherepanov: I don�t even know why these rumors started to circulate � that I plan to anull my contract with my Omsk lcub. I have an active two year deal with Avangard, and don�t plan to get out of it and go anywhere. Right now I am solely concentrating on the upcoming season � right now, in Russia with Avangard Omsk.

Avangard is coming out of the summer vacation on the 10th of July and there are only a few days left. How do you plan to spend these last few days?
A. Cherepanov: Finally, I plan to get a little bit of rest! I won�t be able to go home to the Altai region � it�s too far and there is very little time left. I want to get out of the city somewhere with my friends.

During the upcoming season you will likely be regarded differently by your opponents, as well as by your teammates. You are no longer the same rookie you were last season. You already showed and proved what you are worth...
A. Cherepanov: I am preparing for this season and fully realize that I will have to start from scratch, and will have to once again prove who I am and what I am worth.

What do you need to improve upon the most when evaluating your performance last season? What are your thoughts regarding this?
A. Cherepanov: Absolutely in everything. I need to imrpvoe in evey single aspect of the game. I have not yet accomplished anything in hockey after which I can scalm down and look back at my accomplishments (smiling).

Remembering the last season, what were your most memorable moments?
A. Cherepanov: There were many of them, but the most memorable moment for me was the home game against Khimik. I was recognized as the game�s first star and scored a goal which was later recognized by Omsk�s media program as Avangard�s top goal of the season. The least pleasant memory is probably a string of games during the middle of the season when I left the ice for more than five games without a single point. But the sun doesn�t always shine right?

Recently you finally got a place of your own. Have you yet made it your home?
A. Cherepanov: My apartment - it�s a present from our governor, for which I am very thankful to him. Not every 18 year old has his own apartment. I haven�t yet had the time to make it my home. But I do plan to remodel it � not by myself of course. I simply won�t have time for that.

Another one of your acquisitions is a BMW 530. How fast have you had a chance to drive that car?
A. Cherepanov: On the highway outside the city, I have been able to take it up to 230km/h. Maybe I could have gone even faster, but it was a bit scary. But in the city I drive only about 40km/h.

Did you follow the Stanley Cup playoffs?
A. Cherepanov: Yes and to be honest, I rooted for Anaheim.

During the awards ceremony, were you dreaming that �some day it will be me too�?
A. Cherepanov: Of course. But now I am thinking � why simply dream when you can set tangible goals?

- Anna Bekisheva � specially for Championat.ru

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