CSKA newcomer Yegor Zamula broke the ice with the sweater-wavers.
– My strengths are clean breakout pass, smooth wheels, and hockey IQ. I play all situations: power play, penalty kill and 5-on-5.
Down in North America, I really had to dial in my off-ice game. I was solo, in bachelor mode. I was learning how to cook, working on my English, and getting used to the culture. The coaching staff taught me to quick-process and lock it down, so I shifted to a stay-at-home game. Down in the States, my most memorable game was against the New Jersey in an open stadium. The stands were packed to the rafters with 80 to 90 thousand fans. But the atmosphere wasn't like in Russia; no rowdy fan section banging drums or firing up chants. We’ve got the best the best fans.
In America my nickname was Big Z, and in Russia since school I have been called Zema. So in the locker room I'm either Zema or Zemchik.
My main job is helping the team, getting it going. Goals and assists don't mean a thing. The team has locked in, and the core remains intact. That shows the team is dialled in and setting the right bar.
