My Interview with Sergei Samsonov

During the interview

Vipers' goaltender Jeff Reese was in the background sticking his tongue out at me and making faces at Sergei!!

Brief information about the interview

First of all, this was NOT an official interview. I prepared some questions I wanted to ask Sergei and wrote short answers. I will be paraphrasing some of things Sergei said because I didn't record the interview.

This interview took place on March 3, 1997 at the Woodward Grille in Birmingham, Michigan. The Vipers team was there at an annual charity party called "Tip a Viper". You signed up and got a table reserved at the Grille. Certain Vipers waited on the tables, others bartended, and still others hosted. Sergei was a waiter in a different section than mine, but the players and the fans had a chance to mingle later.

The Interview

Sergei and I sat together at the bar both ordering a coke (Later, teammates came by to tease Sergei about having Vodka in his glass!). Comfortably seated, we began the interview.

The first questions I asked were basic "What is your favorite ... ?" I only received two clear cut answers. Sergei's favoite color is black and his favorite pastimes are playing golf and going to the movies.

Continuing with his favorites, Sergei has no clear cut favorite movie or music. He explained that since coming to the United States, his tastes in music and movies have been changed a lot. He favors the movie Braveheart, but also likes comedies such as Happy Gilmore. As for music, he likes everything from heavy metal to dance.

On with the hockey questions. Sergei's favorite NHL team is the Detroit Red Wings, although he likes all the NHL teams. His favorite player is Sergei Fedorov. He told me that he does not try to play like Fedorov, but plays with his own style. "I just like to watch Sergei play."

When asked what his ideas about leaving the IHL and joining the NHL, he replied in a way that I will never forget, "I want to play in the NHL very much. It has been a dream for me playing in IHL with this great team, but my goal is to play, and to excel, in the NHL, wherever I may go (in the draft)." Very eloquent words for a Russian teenager just getting used to the English language.

The last moments of the formal interview were interrupted by other fans wanting autographs. After signing autographs, Sergei and I had a great time trading quips with Jeff Reese, the Vipers' goaltender. When Jeff was snatched by autograph hunters, I spoke with Sergei about what he planned to do after being drafted. He wants to stay in Detroit for the summer before going back to the city he will play for. He plans on going to the movies and playing golf a lot. Golf has become one of his favorite things to do.

This interview gave me the impression that, although he is young and likes to have a good time, Sergei is a very mature teenager. He is easy to be friends with and has a great personality with a wry sense of humor. If you ever have the chance to meet Sergei, do so. He is an incredible individual.

Last Updated 11 January 1998