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Head coach of the Continental Hockey League (KHL) club Omsk “Avangard” Bob Hartley In a conversation with the team’s press service, he revealed how he was affected by life in Russia, commented on the introduction of the salary ceiling in KHL, as well as remembered that he still has an unfulfilled goal – the Gagarin Cup.
For the titled specialist, this will be the third season of KHL. His debut year at Avangard was quite successful, reaching the final of the Gagarin Cup. However, it suffered an unconditional loss against Moscow’s CSKA with 0-4. The next season, the team withdrew from the fight in the first round, when the superiority of Ufa “Salavat Yulaev” was recognized with 2-4. True, already during the season, Hartley signed a new contract until 2022.
“I like the experience both on the ice and beyond what I have gained in Russia. I have said many times that many people have a misconception about Russia. Here I met several good people, saw a high standard of living and great hockey. When I was offered a new contract, I did not hesitate for a minute. Our goal is to bring the Gagarin Cup to our fans, “said Hartley.
“I think Avangard hockey players like our style of play. There is always room for change. There are no concepts in my philosophy like North American, Russian or Swedish hockey. It’s a simple game. There are slight differences in style, but they are not significant. We talk a lot about the size of the field, but they don’t affect performance as much as it is. Yes, there is a difference, but it is not significant, ”says the specialist.
In the upcoming season, KHL will have a salary ceiling of 900 million rubles (11.5 million euros). The Canadian thinks it’s a good idea to have more intrigue and equality in the league. “I was working in the NHL when the salary cap was introduced there. Unexpectedly, each team had a chance to win. I think the level of clubs this season will still be different, but in the future it will level off. Each game will become unpredictable. I think the level of the league and the game will increase, and it will be interesting, “said the head coach of” Avangard “.
Since 2017, Hartley has been leading the Latvian national team. During this time, the national team once qualified for the quarterfinals of the World Championship. This year, due to the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19, the tournament was not held.
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