Montreal Canadiens Alexander Romanov sheds light on Russians in MTL
By Omar L
Russophobia has been a consistent and growing topic when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, but Alexander Romanov did his part to shut the talk down.
The NHL has been lucky to display talent from other places around the world aside from North America. Some of the league’s best players have also hailed from Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The latter country has had some interesting history when thinking of it along with the history of the Montreal Canadiens.
For years, there’s been a growing sense of Russophobia when it comes to the Habs. Even though certain Russian players were loved in their tenure with the team (Alex Kovalev, Andrei Markov, and Alexander Radulov to name a few) many have felt the organization hasn’t been the best towards them.
The recent interview from Habs 2014 first-round pick Nikita Scherbak didn’t help. Aside from the scoop of Michel Therrien, Scherbak also mentioned how apparently Russian players weren’t allowed to speak their native tongue in the locker room. Some have taken that in comparison with how things fell short with Markov and Radulov two years ago using it to strengthen the Russophobia angel in Montreal.
Fortunately, another member of the Montreal Canadiens stepped up to share his thoughts on everything. Alexander Romanov has quickly become on the team’s most exciting prospects given his promotion to the KHL as an 18-year-old and his performance at the World Juniors.
Related Story. Top Five Russian Habs Players. light
Romanov had an interview with Russian sports site Sports24 where he was asked about the apparent Russophobia in Montreal. Andrew Zadarnowski of Habs Eyes on the Prize brought the interview to light and Romanov’s response was very uplifting.
"In general, there is no Russophobia, nothing of the sort. They treated me very warmly, but to the Russians as a whole. The fact that I think so is completly stupid. They recognized me on the streets, took pictures with me. There is neither racism, nor Russophobia."
The recent Andrei Markov news helps as well. The veteran has expressed interest to return to the team and play for the city he spent many years representing. It’s hard to think he would be willing to go back to a Russophobic place to play in the hardest league in the world.
No one will ever know what truly goes on, but for every bad thing to come out, there are more good things.
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