Login

cikgnar · 09-28-2016, 12:40 PM

DETROIT DAILY COURIER
Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2016
by Bone Rivers
Ready for grading: 846 words

Yesterday, Sept. 27, 2016, marked one of the most notable days in SHL/SMJHL history. Following a bombshell signing of 5 free agents by the Detroit Falcons, the league was in an uproar - reactions ranged from rage to confusion, ambivalence to fervor, as opponents of Detroit's move spoke out against the Falcons' commissioners, coaches and the players. Several players, most notably the Falcons' newly-acquired and projected starting goaltender Jeff Kirkstone, took their protests to the ice. Montreal Militia forward Ryan Vas said he would prefer not to play against Detroit, and Kirkstone, a teammate of "The Deplorables," vowed to never again put on a Falcons uniform.

Following an on-ice workout at a training facility in Ferncrest, Michigan, 30 miles south of Detroit, I caught Falcons center Cikgnar Konstantinov to get his thoughts on the move, the reaction, and the path towards S31.

Bone Rivers: Hi Cikgnar, thanks for the quick chat. Just want to take a couple minutes of your time.
Cikgnar Konstantinov: No worries Boner.

BR: You look tired, Cikgnar.
CK: I'm sure you can guess why.

BR: I can. On that note, wanted to get your reaction following yesterday's events.
CK: Sure...it's pretty much the only thing reporters have been asking since yesterday, so what's one more interview? Hopefully this puts an end to it. Honestly, and I know this sounds like a cop-out, but I have no reaction to it. Look, I'm a hockey player: I play hockey. I don't make decisions to draft players, sign players, or release players. That stuff happens around me, but all I can do is play hockey. That's it. So as far as I'm concerned, all I've got is five new teammates for next year. Well, nine, we drafted four guys too. Funny that no one is talking about them.

BR: But don't you think that behind-the-scenes dealings can set a bad precedent?
CK: Maybe. I don't know. As a player, I'm worried about two things: winning, and extending my career for as long as possible. To win, I'll play with whoever Coach puts me out on the ice with., whoever he feels gives us the best chance to win. And to extend my career, I'm focusing on improving my hockey game. The politics are for other people to worry about.

BR: Do you agree that the negative reaction has been valid? Do you think there should be repercussions for the Falcons team?
CK: Look man, I'm only going to say this once again: it doesn't matter to me. I have no influence on this whole thing, so it's not for me to worry about. I'm just looking on to next season.

BR: OK. What do you think about Jeff Kirkstone saying he won't play for the Falcons?
CK: Well, obviously that's his prerogative. He's his own man, and he's making the decision that he feels is right. I respect him for that, to be honest - that's a pretty big stake to plant in the ground, knowing that he'll get flack for it, but he's sticking to his guns. It sucks for the team, since we were looking for a big contribution from him this season, but he's doing what he thinks is best. I don't have to agree with it to respect his choice.

[Image: careyprice.jpg]

Pictured: Jeff Kirkstone, current Detroit Falcons G. Kirkstone has claimed he will not play for the Falcons in protest of the 9/27 signings.

BR: And what about Ryan Vas saying he won't play when Montreal plays the Falcons?
CK: Same thing, really. It's his decision to make. I actually don't think he said he wouldn't play, just that he'd prefer not to. I think he said he'd play if his coaches asked him to. I'm not sure what he thinks not playing against us would accomplish, really, he's a good player and he helps his team out there. But if he doesn't play, he doesn't play. I'll play against whoever Montreal sends out there.

BR: When do you think the commotion will die down around this issue?
CK: Who knows? Hopefully soon, but it doesn't look like it's died down much yet. Hopefully once the season starts we can all just focus on hockey. I think we all just want a return to normalcy around here. Right now, we'd normally be talking about our draft picks, getting to know those guys, and getting on the ice as a team for the first time to gear up for the season. And I think that's all we want right now. We just want to play hockey.

BR: Last question: any idea if you'll get called up to play in Buffalo this season?
CK: I'm not sure yet. Whenever Buffalo feels that I can contribute to the big club, it's my job to make sure I'm ready. So right now, all I'm focused on is improving as a hockey player to be the best teammate I can be, whether that's here in Detroit or in Buffalo.

BR: Thanks Cikgnar.
CK: Sure thing Boner.

Grapehead · 09-28-2016, 12:57 PM

Good stuff as usual!

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us