Kamensky skating into twilight with Dallas
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001
By Lucas Aykroyd
The National Hockey League has a cruel way of making its players feel prematurely old. In most walks of life, you’re still considered young when you turn 35. A hockey player that age is a veritable graybeard.
No doubt Valeri Kamensky of the Dallas Stars would love to shave a few years off his birth certificate. The veteran left wing’s recent play makes it look like he’ll be heading into retirement at the end of 2001-02.
Historically renowned as a fleet-footed sniper, Kamensky failed to score until 15 December this season, when he bagged a pair against Phoenix.
“It hasn’t been too good,” Kamensky admitted. “I need to work hard and take some time. It’s a new team, everything’s new.”
The 6-2, 205-pound forward signed a one-year deal with Dallas on 5 July. He was one of many off-season acquisitions by the Stars, few of which have panned out, as freewheeling types like Donald Audette and Jyrki Lumme have already been traded.
Confirming skepticism about how Kamensky would fit into the rigid Dallas system, Stars Head Coach Ken Hitchcock has frequently made the 11-year veteran a healthy scratch.
At this stage of Kamensky’s career, it’s tough to find him the right linemates. Some nights he’s enjoyed highly skilled partners like Jere Lehtinen and Mike Modano. But when you’re on the top line, you have to produce.
Kamensky learned that lesson the hard way at the 2000 World Championships, where he started off playing with Pavel Bure and Alexei Yashin and was relegated to the fourth line by the end of the tournament.
Was coming to Dallas the right move after two consecutive mediocre seasons with the New York Rangers (66 points in 123 games)? There was speculation that Kamensky might gravitate toward Vancouver as a free agent, since he flourished under Marc Crawford’s reign during Colorado’s 1996 charge to the Stanley Cup.
“I didn’t think about that because they never asked me to come here,” Kamensky said ruefully. “But I really had a great time with Marc Crawford. That was my best time in the NHL, playing with Colorado. He knows me very well and he’s a great coach.”
One thing that neither coaching nor ice time can remedy is injuries. Since 1998-99, Kamensky has had an awful time staying healthy, missing 55 regular season games in the three-year span before this campaign.
“I’ve had wrist surgery, kidney bruising, lots of injuries,” said Kamensky. “It’s tough to rebuild. And it’s up here too”—pointing to his head—”not just physically.”
Nonetheless, the Voskresensk native is pleased to see another player from his hometown continuing to excel in the NHL thanks to his mental acuity. Detroit’s Igor Larionov is an inspiration to Kamensky, who will watch his former CSKA teammate representing Russia at the Winter Olympics in February.
“He’s a great player,” said Kamensky. “Still playing very well at 41 years old. I’m very glad to see him. When I played for Red Army, he helped me lots. He taught me how to play the game.”
A tone of nostalgia, perhaps even melancholy, enters Kamensky’s voice when he reminisces about 1987. He put on virtuoso performances that season at Rendezvous ‘87 in Quebec City (2-1-3 against an NHL all-star squad) and the Canada Cup (6-1-7 in 9 games against the world’s best). It marked his emergence as a dominant international player. Especially dramatic was the tying goal he scored late in Game Two of the Canada Cup final, wristing a shot high over Grant Fuhr’s shoulder as he fell to the ice.
“I remember this well. You know, I was 20 or 21 then. I had lots of power, lots of desire to play. I played with great teams. I think from 1986 to 1991, we had some excellent national teams. I have watched these games a couple of times now, and it was great hockey, open hockey. Now hockey’s changed a little bit because most teams try to play more defensively. Only a few teams like Detroit try to play offensively.”
Kamensky remains optimistic about his prospects for this season. The recent acquisition of Martin Rucinsky and Benoit Brunet have improved his team’s ability to contend for the Stanley Cup, he believes, after stumbling in the early going.
Now he just has to stay motivated and hope for one last shot at glory. Winning is something that never gets old.
“I’ve won everything in my hockey career: the Stanley Cup, lots of World Championships, the Olympics,” said Kamensky. “And every trophy is great. Like here: if you win the game, you feel happy and you feel great. If you win, you’re a hero.”
HockeyAdventure.com brings you the best of Lucas Aykroyd's current blog entries and archived articles. Based in Vancouver, Aykroyd has written about NHL, international, and junior hockey for The Hockey News, The Sporting News, the NHL Yearbook, Rinkside, NHL.com, Eishockey News, and Prospects Hockey. As an editor and journalist, he has covered three Olympics, ten World Championships, three World Junior Championships, one World Women's Championship, and one World U18 Championship for IIHF.com and HockeyCanada.ca. He was one of 56 experts chosen to vote for the IIHF's Centennial All-Star Team.
No. 1 — September 6th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I and three of my friends went to see Twilight the Movie 3. Justin Chon as Eric was just amazing.
No. 2 — October 24th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
If you want to buy a car, you would have to receive the business loans. Furthermore, my mother always takes a short term loan, which seems to be really firm.
No. 3 — January 13th, 2011 at 5:25 am
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of analysis on this. And he in reality bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading extra on this topic. If doable, as you turn into experience, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It is extremely useful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog publish!
No. 4 — March 22nd, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Our pioneering spirit has taken us to the Moon, Watcheshelped us conquer the oceans&’ depths, and allowed us to time the world&’s most important sporting events. At the same time, we were setting precision records and have been continuously re-defining state-of-the-art mechanical watchmaking since 1848?I am sure you will love it now and forever.
No. 5 — April 13th, 2011 at 2:41 am
Breathable mesh upper with ultra-strong.nike shoesFlywire technologyfor incredibly lightweight support and fit, Partial bootie for internal comfort and fit Heel collar that conforms to the shape of your foot for a plush, comfortable fit and feel.Full-length, segmented Max Air unit for maximum cushioning and a smoother, more natural range of motion.Full-length, soft and cushy midsole for comfort and protection.Flex grooves in the midsole and outsole for increased flexibility.Mixed rubber outsole with lugs and Waffle pattern for traction, cushioning and durability.
Nike+ ready
No. 6 — April 26th, 2011 at 8:10 am
I believe this really is excellent information. Most of men and women will concur with you and I ought to thank you about it.
No. 7 — April 26th, 2011 at 8:23 am
I so enjoyed every bit of this site and I’ve bookmarked your blog to keep up with the new topics you will post in the future.
No. 8 — April 26th, 2011 at 8:44 am
Thanks i like your blog very much , i come back most days to find new posts like this.
No. 9 — April 26th, 2011 at 8:58 am
I am new to this blog, I must admit it ranks up there among one of the most unique blog ideas I have ever seen.
No. 10 — May 9th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
For these and a whole lot of other outstanding designs, attempt Flyrr for wonderful Ray Ban Sunglasses at discounts today!
No. 11 — May 10th, 2011 at 4:16 am
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!â?¦
No. 12 — May 10th, 2011 at 5:17 am
I so enjoyed every bit of this site and I’ve bookmarked your blog to keep up with the new topics you will post in the future.
No. 13 — May 12th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made sure nice points in features also.
No. 14 — May 16th, 2011 at 1:40 am
I am a rare poster on my own blogs as I simply don’t feel I have much to write about, thanks for this post, clearly you are better at this game than me?
No. 15 — May 16th, 2011 at 1:43 am
I am a rare poster on my own blogs as I simply don’t feel I have much to write about, thanks for this post, clearly you are better at this game than me?
No. 16 — May 16th, 2011 at 1:45 am
I am a rare poster on my own blogs as I simply don’t feel I have much to write about, thanks for this post, clearly you are better at this game than me?
No. 17 — May 24th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
http://www.dress-herveleger.org
No. 18 — May 29th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
I like it interesting photos.your themes and visuals are very cool…
No. 19 — June 1st, 2011 at 1:00 am
1There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made sure nice points in features also.
No. 20 — June 1st, 2011 at 6:52 am
71Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
No. 21 — June 4th, 2011 at 2:13 am
14Great article about this topic, I have been lately in your blog once or twice now. I just wanted to say hi and show my thanks for the information provided.
No. 22 — June 4th, 2011 at 2:28 am
We keep talking about spring trends in handbags, clearly there are many. We have brought you stories on http://www.coachests.com/ coach outlet online
No. 23 — June 7th, 2011 at 12:10 am
Gucci babouska tote bag beige,gucci babouska top handle bagfeminine and lovely,is known by the sticking leather flowers decorations details,it is so ideal for shopping or go to work.Eachgucci babouska tote bag beigecomes with a serial number,dust cover,receipt,care booklet and authenticity card.
No. 24 — June 10th, 2011 at 4:09 am
good
No. 25 — June 14th, 2011 at 2:51 am
Nice site! I adore a few of the articles that have been written, and particularly the comments posted! I will definately be returning!
No. 26 — June 14th, 2011 at 2:54 am
I will recommend my friends to read this. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!
No. 27 — June 14th, 2011 at 2:59 am
Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up
No. 28 — June 19th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Air Jordan of our outlet store are offered at fire sale prices,including Jordan Shoes which is sale very well.I suggest that you should take this chance and action now to buy our Cheap Air Jordan on sale,it will be a very good choose for you.
http://www.jordanshoes113.com
No. 29 — June 19th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
You provide me a good example. Thanks very much. I will keep on reading your blogs.
No. 30 — July 2nd, 2011 at 12:50 am
With the headphone market saturated with cookie-cutter models, it’s difficult for a single model to stand out..
No. 31 — July 3rd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
These Christian Louboutin Outlet Online shoes are one of our shops are selling shoes.
No. 32 — July 5th, 2011 at 1:27 am
In order to repay customers, sometimes we provide special discount Louis vuitton bags http://www.niketrainers4uk.co.uk in our Louis vuitton store, and we have many new style Louis vuitton for sale now, Donâ??t hesitate
No. 33 — July 9th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Your site is very excellent … carry on the effort!