Growing up, I didn't know very much about my heritage and the Soviet Union and things of that nature. But when I saw the Soviet Union play hockey for the first time, to me, it was profound.

If people see North American hockey and they see violence and brutality and it's not so interesting, that sends a message too about your culture.

I've had a lot of coaches in my life, but I've only had a few very good ones. So, I try to take from the best ones and apply those to what I do and think and with anyone I work with in terms of how to motivate people and work with them.

I'm very excited about some of the novels that I have adapted. I think they're equally as powerful, if not more. Going After Cacciato (by Tim O'Brien) is something I'm very passionate about.

If you're a skilled player, you want to use your skill, not just hit the puck.

There (in the Soviet Union) it was a science. In order to be a coach, you had to study in school.

I speak a little bit of Russian.