Ilya Samsonov First English Interview

Ilya Samsonov first English interview

Headline photo: Matt Trust

Since we last talked to Hershey Bears goalie Ilya Samsonov, the rookie netminder has been a key part of the Bears 12 game point streak.

After he picked up another win Sunday night, this time a 2-1 victory against Charlotte, he did his first interview with the media, needing no assistance from a translator.

“Everything’s good play now,” Samsonov said about Hershey’s recent success. “Step-by-step. Playoff zone, we are fighting now. Next week [we will] keep working.”

Right after that chat one month ago, Samsonov changed his number from 1 to 35, something he’s felt more comfortable in. “I like it, 35,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t like it 1. I play[ed with it on Russia] national team. It’s bad, bad number. Not lucky for me.

“Start [of the] season was really hard for me because [of the] different language, first-time [I] change team. [I don’t have] my parents, [I don’t have] my family, it’s hard. It’s now a little bit better. Speak English. Whole guys help with me. Thank you [to] my team.”

Update: here is the audio of Samsonov’s first English interview

Back To Top
Search