Zherdev Eager to Represent Russia

Translated by: RussianProspects

Nikolai Zherdev's fate led him past three important international tournaments in 2004. First he did not make the U20 World Junior Championships, then he missed the senior event followed by a World Cup snub.

Fate finally threw Zherdev a bone when he was named to the training camp roster of the senior national team which means an opportunity to make his national pro debut at the Karjala Cup in November.

Fleeting Love

According to Zherdev’s official agent Alexander Tyzhnikh the young forward started the season with CSKA and not in the NHL specifically because he wanted to make the roster of Russia’s national team. It is interesting that both teams were trained by the same coach – Viktor Tikhonov and his tendency to dress older players has been well documented by the Russian press.

Tikhonov did not invite Zherdev to the first two EuroTour tournaments and incidentally Zherdev did not shine in the Superleague at the time.

In November of 2003 Zherdev left Russia to play in the NHL. His dream had seemingly come true but Zherdev’s desire to play with the U20 team did not although he was even prepared to leave the league to don his country’s jersey.

Placing the national team first

N. Zherdev: I am invited to the national team? Thank you for the good news, it’s very nice to hear. I always aimed for the national team. You know, coming back I started to remember December from last year. Then I was pretty much blamed for everything. Despite all that, I was still ready to go to the (World Junior tournament), even from America. In December I made myself a Finnish visa and practically sat on my suitcases, waiting for the invitation. Columbus management was not against, quite the opposite, they even approved my trip to Finland. Unfortunately, I was never invited.

Did you have a chance to discuss the reasons behind the snub from the national team’s head coach Rafael Ishmatov?

N. Zherdev: No, we did not talk about it. You know, I don’t want to stir up the past again. I don’t think it was strictly the coach. I am sure at the time a lot depended on the hockey federation’s management, who as we all know, have always had the last word in the composition of the roster. If you remember, at the time, the Russian Hockey Federation was at war with Columbus because of me and planned on taking the NHL club to court. To this day no one has told me why the Federation was so against me joining the (U20) national squad, as this was the reason that I learned from my agent.

You did not join Russia at the World Championships in the Czech Republic despite the fact that Columbus did not make the playoffs.

N. Zherdev: I did not get an invitation before that tournament, though I was waiting for a call.

From Viktor Tikhonov?

N. Zherdev: He was the head coach.

Do you think he did not call you because he was upset with you for leaving?

N. Zherdev: I think it was a major factor. However I also think that at the time, Tikhonov had other things to worry about than Zherdev.

Did you make peace with him?

N. Zherdev: Yes, during the summer we met up and shook hands. We now always greet each other. Viktor Tikhonov is now the president of CSKA, so he is very close to the team.

Frolov and Kaigorodov

You weren’t invited to the World Cup either.

N. Zherdev: You know, the list of tournaments where I did not play is big. You’ll get tired listing all of them. To be honest though I was counting on an invitation. I could not play in the Super League until September 15th – the date of the official start of the lockout. So I wanted to (try it out) at the tournament where the best NHL players competed. It’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out, though a lot of players didn’t make the tournament – Alexei Morozov, for example, who played well at the World Championships. But regardless it’s great that I was remembered this time around.

Not to notice you would be difficult. You stand out in every game with a goal or a great assist.

N. Zherdev: Thanks for the kind words. Now I will do my best not to disappoint my fans in Russia. Also, I will definitely meet my teammates from Columbus – (Jaroslav) Spacek and (David) Vyborny - at the EuroTour. This would be an additional incentive!

Who do you want to play on a line with? Alexander Frolov and Oleg Saprykin were also invited from your club.

N. Zherdev: I would like to always play with Alex. We play well together. We learned (from) each other well during the first (few) games of the season. Then things got tough and the production declined a bit.

Who did you want to center your line? Maybe Kaigorodov (Ottawa Senators second round pick in 2002 – RP) from Magnitogorsk?

N. Zherdev: Definitely – he would be great with us! Alexei and I played on the same line at the U20 World Championships in Canada. We became champions there. Alexei is a great player. He passes so well. When Magnitogorsk visited us I admired his game. It’s not by accident that his club beat us so cleanly (5:2).

Maybe you should tell the coach regarding the potential of such a line?

N. Zherdev: You know, it’s the business of the coaches how to assign us players. Also, I never met Vladimir Yurzinov Sr. or Zinetulla Belyaletdinov, so I don’t know them at all.

CSKA Head Coach Vyacheslav Bykov on Nikolai Zherdev

V. Bykov: Kolya Zherdev - is an unusual, talented player. The fans love him for his puck handling. Technical players always attract attention. At times he reminds of Vyacheslav Anisin, Valeri Kharlamov, Boris Alexandrov. He has great goal sense. His eyes are always on fire on the ice. Regarding his emotions at times overpowering him, I understand that – he is in love with the game.

At times I have to close my eyes on his actions. He is always on the edge. What can you do if the guy at every moment of the game wants to win regardless of what the score is? Yes he is growing and is trying to change and become more held back. There is progress in this area. He is a warrior, and his team and friends respect him for this. Considering all of this, Nikolai is a shy person by nature. He is a simple guy with whom you can easily talk about things.