Alexei Kudashov (SKA) will be behind the bench for the Bobrov Division, and he will join a unique club of people who made it to the All-Star Game as both coach and player. The FONBET 2020 KHL All-Star Game will be the third similar event for Kudashov, who interestingly enough had both of his other participations in Moscow.
Alexei Kudashov, SKA's head coach:
- The announcement came as a surprise for me; I didn't even think about it. This is, for me, a great sign of appreciation for the work of my entire staff, team, players, and personnel. I participated in the very first All-Star Game in Moscow, and it was an incredible spectacle. My second time was in 2016. I hope that it will be a good prolongation of this tradition. Life as a second coach? If the league decided this way, then let it be. I'm a communicative person, and I'm ready to work with anyone.
For the third time in a row, CSKA's Igor Nikitin heads the Tarasov Division.
Igor Nikitin, CSKA's head coach:
- Being part of the FONBET KHL All-Star Game is an excellent recognition for our whole staff. I don't consider it being my personal achievement. In the past All-Star Games, it was nice to see the guys relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. Hockey is not just a job - it's also a great joy. Gretsky? Wayne? (Laughs.) The fans had their choice, and we must respect it. I don't think that it's correct to give it special attention. If he is there, we'll make him a member of our hockey family.
The Kharlamov Division will be happy to give Dmitry Kvartalnov (Ak Bars) a warm welcome back after three years of absence.
Dmitry Kvartalnov, Ak Bars' head coach:
- Of course, taking part in the FONBET KHL All-Star Game is an honor, but other coaches deserved even more to be here. I can just be glad of the invite. Being selected is always fantastic, but the season is still going on, and there's still a lot to do. In any city in the past, this event was a massive hit among the fans as they can simply go and enjoy the atmosphere. It also means many positive emotions that you feel in a short time.
Working as a second coach? I think that whatever the league chooses, it's the right thing. If the other person will be either a coach or a journalist, it's a great chance to talk in an informal environment, spend some time together and give your contribution to a fantastic event.
For the second year in a row, Bob Hartley (Avangard) coaches the Chernyshev Division.
Bob Hartley, Avangard's head coach:
- It's always exciting to coach at an event that gathers the best players in the KHL. As a coach, I understand that this event is thought for the players, the fans, and the sponsors. My work is more related to the way my team plays during the season. I am proud to be representing Avangard at the FONBET KHL All-Star Game.
Last year, our team won, but if this year someone else wants to take the reigns, no problem, my top priority is Avangard. In Kazan, I had an incredible time, and I had a chance to meet legendary players like Alexander Maltsev and Vladislav Tretyak, other than talking with players informally. It was an incredible experience, and the players had a valuable chance to stay with their family.
I don't know who will be working with me, but last year, Maria Bass was incredible for us, if she wants to renew her contract I'll be only glad.
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КХЛ 2008—2021
KHL 2008—2021
All rights to materials posted on the website www.khl.ru (hereinafter referred to as the Website) and which are the objects of exclusive rights, including the registered trademarks and symbolics of the “КХЛ”/“KHL”, “МХЛ” / “JHL”, “ЖХЛ” / “WHL” (hereinafter referred to as the Trademarks), as well as on photo and video images, articles, etc., which are owned by CHL LLC, are protected in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation. The placement and / or use of Trademarks and other intellectual property of CHL LLC without the direct consent of CHL LLC are considered and prosecuted as intellectual property rights violations of CHL LLC in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation. It is forbidden to automatically extract information from the Website by any services without the official permission of CHL LLC. Quoting from the Website and satellite projects of the official messages of the Kontinental Hockey League is allowed only with a direct link to the site www.khl.ru.