Martin Gernat: In the KHL I must be ready to a faster game

Martin Gernat is a new face for the KHL as he has never played in our league before.

So far, Martin Gernat has lined up for teams in North America, Slovakia, Czechia, and Switzerland. He spent the latest few seasons with Lausanne HC. In 2022, he won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

“I thought about moving to the KHL from May to the start of the summer season,” Gernat explains when asked about his move to Yaroslavl. “I have talked with two teams who were interested in me, we had a couple of calls, but Lokomotiv showed more interest. I talked with my former team about it, talked with my family, and we decided to move to Yaroslavl. The recommendations of other players who had previously played in Yaroslavl had an impact. The figure of head coach Igor Nikitin was also important. I heard a lot of good things about him. I’m very happy to join a top organization in the KHL. I’m excited about the upcoming games at this level.”

Gernat wanted to know more about the situation before signing in his new team. He talked with different people. “I consulted with some guys, with my family. Everyone spoke well of Lokomotiv. For example, my friend Adam Liska who also plays in Russia. Russian guys who play in the NHL told me a lot about the KHL. The KHL is still the best league in Europe, with many top hockey players playing here. Playing in this league is another step up for me. I feel that I can elevate my level by being in the KHL, and I hope that I can bring a lot of good to the team.”

The Slovak has already felt some differences between the KHL and his former league. “The difference on the ice is noticeable,” he says. “In Switzerland, we played on a bigger rink, here it’s smaller. So, you have to play faster. As a defenseman, I need to be ready for higher speeds, effective play in the corners, and playing in confined spaces. I would say that the biggest difference is in the speed of the game.”

However, he’s yet to fully understand who the opposition will be. “Frankly, I only know the cities near Yaroslavl. I think that Lokomotiv must have some important derbies with teams from those cities. I also heard that our team has many fans who actively support the team well during home matches. I’m excited about that. If we play well, the fans will definitely support us. It will definitely help us.”

Lokomotiv, also, is well-known in Slovakia due to Pavol Demitra. The late forward played the 2010-2011 season – his last – with Loko, scoring 60 (18+42) points in 54 regular-season games, adding 21 (6+15) in 18 playoffs contests.

“Demitra is one of the legends of Slovak hockey. The Yaroslavl tragedy was a terrible incident. Even 12 years later, people in Slovakia still remember this tragedy. I was deeply affected by what happened. It was one of the top teams, and legends of the KHL played in it, bringing happiness to people through their game.”

The d-man has only recently actually moved to Yaroslavl, but he has already got a taste of his new setting. “The facilities here are excellent,” Gernat explains. “These conditions were a big surprise for me. Many NHL facilities have good conditions, but here it’s among the best in the world. In Yaroslavl, there’s a very good club staff, and all the conditions are set up for work at the facility. In the last two weeks, we’ve been training intensively before the season starts. We’re building the team, working on our physical form. Right now, we have two training sessions a day: gym and ice. We’ve started with some exhibition matches, and soon we’ll head to a tournament in Kazan where we’ll finally have a lot of game practice. It will be an opportunity for me to showcase my game.”

As tradition dictates, Lokomotiv this year also features an almost full-Russian lineup, with Gernat being the only one international player. “The guys welcomed me very well,” he confirms. “A lot of players speak English, more than half the team. There are no communication issues with the staff either. I talk a lot with Sergei Andronov. The coaching staff also knows English.” The d-man is going to learn the language. “Nikitin immediately told me that Slovak and Russian are similar languages,” he explains. “I understand many Russian words and sentences. Yes, right now it’s easier for me just to speak English, but I think in two to three months, we’ll be able to conduct an interview in Russian. At least, I will make a strong effort to do so.”

The Slovak blueline has already talked briefly with Nikitin to discuss his role within the team. “We talked a bit before the first pre-season game,” he says. “Then there was another conversation with the coaches and Alexei Bereglazov, as he also just joined the team.” The defenseman has said that for now the coaches didn’t go too deep as it’s about his tasks. “Nikitin said for now just to observe what happens during training. I noticed good passing play, puck movement, support in defense, and excellent communication within the team. The coach wants me to assist younger players and give my 100% in defense. If there’s a chance, I should create opportunities near the opponent’s crease. But defense is the most crucial aspect for me.”

While Gernat has lined up for Slovakia in numerous international tournaments, not all the fans or followers of his new team may be familiar with his style of play. “I’m a two-way defenseman,” Gernat explains. “I can contribute in the offensive zone. In my previous teams, I often played on power plays. However, my primary responsibility is to be the best defenseman of the team. I’m a team player, always trying to support my teammates and demonstrate smart defense. Of course, whenever possible, I engage in the offensive zone because I’m skilled and I enjoy it. Also, I believe I’m good at preparing for matches.”

The Lokomotiv boards, however, were clear while discussing his signing for the side. “We want to bring the Gagarin Cup to Yaroslavl,” he says. “We have a strong coaching staff and excellent goalies, which is crucial for the team. If we show our best game, we can definitely win the cup.”

In his new team, Gernat will be working with such a famed person in his defensive coach, Dmitry Yushkevich. The former blueliner has played more than 800 games in the NHL. “I heard about him when Dmitry worked with Igor Nikitin at CSKA. They built a top team there. Yushkevich obviously also had a great NHL career. He’s very smart. He knows how to teach, explain, and improve my game. I always listen carefully to coaches in a new team. Yushkevich is quite strict when it comes to defensive play. Yet, he provides opportunities to join attacks. If you defend well, you get offensive freedom. I’ve heard a lot about him as an excellent defense coach.”

As he joined his new team, Gernat had to work in the famed Russian preseason camps. “It’s hard work here,” he confirms. “But in North America and Switzerland, we also have two training sessions a day in the summer. In Russia, the focus is on speed and strength. I know it will help us in the new season.”

- I suppose you know that you won't be able to play for the Slovak national team after joining "Lokomotiv."
- Yes, that's one of the things I discussed with my family before moving here. I'm going to sacrifice playing for the national team because we made the decision to come here. Unfortunately, this was a new condition when transitioning to the KHL. I played for the national team for many years, in World Championships and the Olympics. It's a significant part of my career. Now, I want to focus on my club career and aim to win the Gagarin Cup.

Due to the current international situation, Gernat had to forfeit his play for Team Slovakia on the international scene. “Many good Slovak players are in the KHL as well, and like me, they lost the chance to play for Slovakia,” he says. “This means that the path to the national team will open for young hockey players. They’ll be able to step up and get new opportunities. It’s good for the national team. In the last three years, the national team has done a great job to become a top side. I believe Slovakia will continue to build a strong national team.”

Talking about the national team, Gernat was a member of Team Slovakia for the Beijing Olympics, where the teams had to deal with the strict conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was tough,” Gernat admits. “At the same time, it was a good tournament, my first Olympics, so I really enjoyed my time in Beijing. It’s unfortunate the tournament happened without spectators. The bronze medal was a great achievement for Slovakia. Despite the lack of fans at the games, many people supported our team from home. When we returned to Slovakia, 15,000 people welcomed us. These are good memories for me. I’m glad we made many people happy; it was certainly one of the best moments in my career.”

The head coach for Team Slovakia was the legendary Craig Ramsay, who this year will enter his seventh season at the helm of the national team. “I met him when I was in Edmonton,” the blueliner said. “He’s an excellent coach. Craig spent so many years in the NHL. He’s calm and intelligent. He changed the mentality of Slovak players and made us believe in ourselves. Craig made us not fear our opponents. He did a lot for that bronze medal.”

Before signing his deal in Yaroslavl, Gernat spent two years in Switzerland, with Lausanne HC, with whom he already lined up in 2018. Many consider the Swiss National League the second best in Europe following the KHL. “I believe it’s like that,” he explains. “If looking at the players who play there, you’ll see many with experience in both the NHL and KHL. In the last couple of years, the league has made a big step forward. The top teams have signed really good players. There are many international players in Switzerland, and they elevate the level of the local ones. Plus, the financial aspect is strong there; they can compete with many leagues financially. Additionally, Switzerland offers opportunities for young players to showcase themselves. It’s a high-quality league. I really love Switzerland; it’s been a great experience. I do agree that it’s the second league in Europe after the KHL.”

Compared to Switzerland, however, Gernat will have to undergo a lot of flights in the KHL. “I don’t think it will be a problem,” the Slovak is sure. “I’m fine with flights; I’ll find ways to occupy myself. Moreover, we’ll be playing many key games nearby, in Moscow. We’ll have to travel to Vladivostok and Khabarovsk only once. So, it’s not a problem.”

The blueliner has high expectations from the KHL. “I’m sure the level of play here is high. I’m looking forward to facing good forwards who know how to handle the puck. In Switzerland, there was a lot of passing play; here, I’m expecting one-on-one and two-on-two situations. I’m excited for matches against top teams to experience that. I always need to be ready for corner battles, one-on-one plays. I know the players here are very skilled with the puck. I must always be focused; that’s noticeable even in friendly matches.” He also said to be familiar with the KHL’s main stars. “I do know Dmitrij Jaskin. Among other stars, I can also mention Nikita Gusev, Vadim Shipachyov, Vladimir Tkachyov. Many Russian players here are of a very high level. They are known worldwide.”

Before stepping up his play in Europe, Gernat played several seasons in North America, having also played three years in the AHL. “The AHL was at the start of my career,” he explains. “I went there when I was 19. Now, the league’s level has risen; it’s tougher to play there. It was tough for me too because I was young and very slim. I learned a lot there, played with great guys, and most importantly, I gained strength and shape. That league was a stepping stone in my career. When I returned to Europe, I realized that my game had significantly improved. My understanding of the game, interaction with teammates got better. Overall, my level has grown.”

And his journey so far has brought the Slovak defenseman to Yaroslavl. He is already enjoying his new place. “After arriving, I had a couple of walks around the city with my teammates, dined in restaurants. There are nice places here. I liked the Volga embankment and the river itself, the beautiful theater. I’ve played in big cities before; here, it’s smaller, everything is nearby. For now, I’m in Yaroslavl alone, without my family. I think they will join me later.”

Dossier

Martin Gernat

Born: Apr 11, 1993, in Kosice, Slovakia.

Career: Oklahoma (AHL) – 2013-15, Bakersfield, San Diego (AHL) – 2015/2016, Sparta Prague (Czechia) – 2016/2017, Presov, Kosice, Lausanne HC (Slovakia, Switzerland) – 2017/2018, Ocelari Trinec (Czechia) – 2017-21, Lausanne HC (Switzerland) – 2021-23, from 2023 Lokomotiv.

Honors: Olympic Games bronze medal (2022), two-time Czech champion (2019, 2021), Czech league’s defenseman of the year (2021).