

Pavel Datsyuk is a lot like me. Sure, I never captained the Russian Olympic ice hockey team, or won the Stanley Cup for the Detroit Red Wings, but I do share his passion for doing what you love, and putting family first. We see eye-to-eye on that. But let’s be honest, Datsyuk’s a bit more impressive than me. The so-called ‘Magic Man’ of the ice is a star of the American NHL league – someone who’s experienced endless success. Thinking there was much to learn from his philosophy and life-lessons, I decided to meet up with the great man himself. We spoke about how my Mediterranean culture matches the world of a professional athlete, and much more.

Let’s get started. The hockey world knows you as the ‘Magic Man’, where did this nickname come from? Did you pull a rabbit out of a hat?

I’m happy to have good nickname – it came from one of my teammates, Todd Bertuzzi, after I made a move on the ice.

So no rabbit out of a hat then… Having played in the NHL for 12 seasons with the same team, would you consider the Detroit Red Wings your second family?

Yes, and I am so happy that they have treated me as family over all these years.

Good to hear, family is important and should be treated that way. I know you have a beautiful wife and daughter. We Mediterraneans value family and friends over everything in the world. Is this the same for you?

Yes, I am fortunate to have two beautiful daughters and a beautiful wife, and I value them more than anything.

Despite your team being a second family to you, it must be hard living away from them during the hockey season. 12 years is a long time to live away from home, even though you have returned to play in Moscow. Tell me, what is life like on the road?

It is hard to be away from my family and friends. I often miss being home, and I always enjoy playing for, and in, Russia.

I love travelling. It’s hard to leave family and friends behind – well, sometimes it’s quite nice to leave my nagging ex-girlfriends! – but the best thing is making new friends all across the world. Anyway, since you’ve travelled all over the world, I can safely say there are many beautiful women in all countries, I know you are married but I have to ask: where are the most beautiful women in your opinion?

Where ever my wife is – that is where the most beautiful women are.

I guess that’s a ‘diplomatic answer’, eh? Well, we have discussed travel, life on the road, the women all over the world… so I have to ask if you’ve ever been to the Mediterranean.

Yes – I have visited Turkey and loved the friendly atmosphere & food, and enjoyed the great weather.

Correct answer! Anytime you are in the area I will put you in touch with my family. They will treat you like their own, help you ease into the culture! Just kidding…What is it you like to do in your spare time? I love to enjoy the little things: a sunset, a cold beer, a long brunch. Although probably not in that order.

In the off season, other than being with my daughters, I like nothing more than playing sports with my friends and then having a cold beer, while talking about life.

Family, friends, beer, talks of life…If I didn’t know any better I would say you were Mediterranean! Although then I doubt you would be any good at ice hockey. Moving on… Being a professional hockey player, and one of the best in the world, you must earn a lot of money, however I find that often the most valuable things in life are free. Would you agree?

Yes, I agree – time spent with family and friends, health; these are the most important things and don’t cost anything.

You are just too wise. Back to the hockey: it’s a passionate game, played with a lot of aggression. As a Mediterranean man I find myself passionate to a fault but you’ve maintained your passion without losing your head. The evidence for this is that you won 4 consecutive Lady Byng Trophies, which is awarded to players who demonstrate sportsmanship and gentlemanly behaviour. How do you maintain a level head with all those beastly Americans ramming into you at high speed?

It comes with experience – the more that I focus on the game, the better I play and the better the team performs.

Do you have any strange pre-game rituals you practice before every game?

It changes from time to time but I always try to find ways to stay focused before each game.

You have won multiple Stanley Cups, individual awards, and every colour medal you possibly can. If you were to end your career today, would you have any regrets?

I have been blessed to have been on good teams and to have had a lot of personal and team success. There can always be more, but as long as I know I tried my best and worked my hardest, I will not have regrets.

I live my life the same way. As long as you are living in the now, and you commit to everything, you can have no regrets. What advice would you give your young fans looking to follow their dreams?

Keep climbing, never give up and don’t forget to be a good person on and off the ice.

Finally, we’re going to wrap things up with a little game. I’m going to list a couple of things, and you just give the answer that applies best to you:

• Live in the now or plan ahead? Live in the now

• Live with passion or live with calmness? Live with calmness

• Cash rich or family rich? Family Rich

• Stay home or go travelling? Stay Home

• Collect moments or possessions? Collect Moments

• Bottle half full or half empty? Bottle Half Full

Some great answers there, thanks for taking the time to sit down with Pavel!

Well…to all my readers, you heard it here first: Pavel Datsyuk’s a man who could have anything that he wants, but he still values family, friends and moments more than possessions. This is a Mediterranean way of being. Life is for living – the rest can wait.