Was tired of promises

During the off-season

Note the fan behind me - I am not THAT scary!

Pavel Valentenko is a professional hockey player, drafted by Montreal Canadiens. Plays defense. He is known for his rugged style of play, and that’s where the nickname “Tank” originated. Currently playes for Dynamo Moscow of the KHL.

Haven’t been here in awhile. A lot of things have occurred since the last time I wrote a blog. I am not with the Bulldogs any more. Had to make a change. More about it later.

We just won the Spengler Cup. Had a great time playing in that tournament. Faced the Canadian team – some familiar faces on it. Won right before the New Year. Celebrated in Switzerland. My celebration was kind of dull – I suffered an injury – ripped some ligaments in my back. I will be rehabbing and not playing for about 4 to 6 weeks. The team played well. Everything clicked. I am upset about the injury. 4-6 weeks of bed rest is boring.

Do go out on certain nights to get something to eat. I live at the team’s base (dorms). Moscow is great – what a beautiful city. Things are just happening here. Clubs, restaurants, bars. But… it’s not all for me. I do go out to eat – sushi and steak majority of the time. And Russian food of course! I actually did go to a club here in Moscow once – awesome place – music, interior design, people. But it was not me – smoking is allowed inside – I hate it. Plus I do prefer just chilling, instead of the “happening” things.

Have visited my parents three times. They greeted me well. Mom’s cooking is the best!

The KHL actually is kind of weird to me. More space, more passing; really not used to it. The level of hockey is good, I just really have to get used to it. Have to admit – I like Canadian style of hockey a lot more.

I am definitely not planning on forgetting English. And there was no chance to do it – a ton of foreign players on the team.

Why I left. You have heard the reasons already. Don’t have much to add. I was extremely lonely. Honestly, got tired of buses and promises of “getting a call up”. That’s all I had to deal with there – promises, promises, promises and buses, buses, buses.

I did not cut Canadiens off completely. My contract here allows me to leave after two years. Then I might entertain the idea of going back. If someone will want me J.

I do appreciate all of the warm comments from the Habs fans here. Some of the posters (ForzaRussia) have to understand – it was not about Russia vs. Canada, or Dynamo vs. Canadiens. It was simply a personal decision; something that was the right thing to do for my family and I.