Canadian-Chinese player of Kyiv Capitals Yang Hu, who became the top scorer of the semi-final series against Storm-Odessa, talked about his move to our team, impressions of Ukraine, assessed the level of the Ukrainian championship, and also shared expectations for the final.
Yang, firstly tell us how the idea of moving to Kyiv Capitals came to you?
This season I had an option for cooperation with another European team, but there were problems with the documents. So, I had to look for other options to continue the season. One of the proposals came from Kyiv Capitals. As far as I know, Vadym Shakhraichuk is familiar with one of my former coaches and also had an idea of me as a player. Eventually, I found myself in Ukraine and I`m satisfied with it.
You integrated into the team rather quickly. Who are your best friends among the teammates?
It’s very difficult to pinpoint just one person. The guys have welcomed me very well. This is one of the few teams in my career where I can talk to or spend time with almost everyone. Ukrainian guys allowed me to become part of their family. I`m very grateful for that.
You had the chance to play in both the second and first lines of attackers. In which of them did you feel more comfortable?
We have many quality hockey players in our team. I played in two different lines. I feel comfortable in each of them, so it all depends on the head coach. The playing styles of the first and second lines of forwards are quite different. Throughout my career, I have played in many positions, so I am ready to play wherever needed.
How do you like the Ukrainian championship? Which opponent did you like playing against the most?
I enjoyed the level of the league. Especially since there is a war going on in the country. The championship has many experienced high-level hockey players. The teams play a fairly fast-paced hockey. Each opponent has its own characteristics. Overall, the top four teams are roughly equal in level. As a rule, the competition in head-to-head matches lasts until the last seconds, so you always have to be ready for 100%. I can’t say that there is one opponent against whom I enjoyed playing the most. Everyone has a different style of hockey, as well as arenas that are not similar to each other.
What did you know about Ukraine before moving here, or have you ever been to our country before?
Previously I have never been to Ukraine. I have heard about your country that Kyiv is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it is generally quite picturesque, and also has wonderful architecture. Many people also note the friendliness and hospitality of Ukrainians. Coming here, I was able to confirm the above.
What are your impressions of Kyiv?
In 1,5 months, I managed to appreciate the beauty of the Ukrainian capital. There are plenty of options for leisure activities here. I enjoy delving into history by visiting museums and galleries. Kyiv has a large number of wonderful restaurants with delicious food, where you can find dishes from almost any cuisine on the menu. I enjoy the time spent here. Additionally, I will note the convenient and cheap transportation around the city thanks to the metro.
Are you not afraid of air alarms?
Honestly, no. So far, I haven’t had moments where I felt in danger. I think the likelihood of being hit by a car is about the same as suffering from a missile or drone attack.
Ukrainian media call you a Canadian-Chinese hockey player? Which of these two countries do you consider closer to yourself?
I also consider myself a Canadian-Chinese hockey player. I have a Canadian passport, but I was born in China. Although I spent most of my life in Canada, but my parents always emphasized the importance of remembering our historical homeland. Of course, people tend to see me more as Chinese. Most of my family still lives in China. So, I have strong ties to this country. Moreover, before coming to Ukraine, I played for the Chinese team Kunlun Red Star, which helped me re-establish a connection with this country after moving to Canada at the age of five. Therefore, I characterize myself as a Chinese Canadian or a Canadian Chinese (whichever is more convenient).
As far as I know, you consider Storm-Odessa to be one of the strongest opponents. How did you manage to defeat this team 4:0 in the series and which match was crucial?
Yes, I consider Storm one of the strongest teams in the championship. They are very well physically prepared and play interesting hockey. My first match against the Odesa team was unsuccessful. The 2:7 loss to Storm was a wake-up call that allowed us to understand ourselves and make the right conclusions. In the semifinal series, we believed in each other from the beginning to the end. This was the main key to success. The team aimed to play our hockey and stick to our plan. This happened before each of the four matches. Among the key matches, I would pay attention for the second one, as we were losing 2:3 and managed to secure victory in overtime. In the fourth meeting, the opponent was in the lead with a minimal handicap for quite a while, but we managed to turn the tide and scored the winning goal in the final minutes. Despite the 4:0 score, the series was challenging. I believe that experience played into our favor, as well as resilience under the pressure of the play-off stage.
The opponent for the Kyiv Capitals in the final is Kremenchuk. How would you characterize this team and the series with Sokil at all?
Kremenchuk is a strong team. I had the opportunity to play against them twice. On the road, we lost in overtime, but at home, we won in the shootout series. I`m convinced that the competition will be fierce, as the stakes are very high. One thing I must mention is the high quality defensive game of our opponents. All the hockey players are trying to block shots, preventing the puck from reaching the goalkeeper. At the same time, the team has fast players who can initiate quick counterattacks. I`m looking forward to the start of the final series.
As about semi-final series, Kremenchuk started exceptionally well, winning three games in a row. Sokil also showed that they will not give up easily. It`s very difficult in hockey to win two games on the road in the play-offs, but our future opponents managed to do so, which became the main factor in their advancement to the final series.
The other series was slightly longer than ours. Which option would you choose: to play more as an opponent or to rest longer?
I would choose to rest. You can work on yourself better and approach future matches in optimal condition. It’s also a chance to heal any minor injuries. On the other hand, I know there are hockey players who are used to being focused on the game and don’t like long breaks. I understand this approach as well, but my preference is a short break before hard work.
