After a difficult season, Ales Hemsky is confident to bounce back in Montreal

Photo: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images / Agence France-Presse
Ales Hemsky

After a season lost because of a hip injury that has kept him away from play until march, Ales Hemsky is confident to be able to bounce back with the Canadian.

This is what he said during a teleconference Monday, a few hours after the montreal club has agreed a one-year contract and US $ 1 million.

“I hope well, said the Czech, who will be 34 years in August. I’m back after my operation and I have played 14 games. I felt very well. I did put that four months to get back to the game also, which is very fast. That is why I am also confident of being able to bounce back and play at the same level as before. I want to help the Canadian to win the Stanley cup. “

Hemsky has played first meeting in October, prior to undergoing a surgical procedure, and not to return to the game that on 2 march due to this injury sustained at the world Cup of hockey. In the last 14 games, he scored seven points, including four goals.

“I talked to doctors in Europe and they were very positive. I’m back to 100 % and I train at 100 %, noted Hemsky. I’ll be ready for training camp. “

A veteran
 

The agreement was quickly concluded between the Czech and the Habs.

“They have discussed it with my agent twice. [Monday], I spoke to the general manager and the head coach a little more. They told me that they were very interested in my services. All that had to be resolved very quickly. I had to make a choice, but I chose Montreal. I am very excited. “

In Hemsky, the Canadian has hired a veteran of 838 games in the national hockey League with the Edmonton Oilers, the Ottawa Senators and the Dallas Stars. The choice of the first round, 13th in total, the Oilers in 2001, has scored 174 goals, and added 398 mentions of assistance for 572 points. He also collected 21 points (7-14) in the 43 meetings in the playoffs.

If he does not know too what role we will give him, Hemsky says it is able to play the entire length of the rink.

“In Dallas, I was asked to play as much offensively as defensively, he explained. With [the ex-coach of the Stars] Lindy Ruff, everyone should play the same way. You could play offensively, while being responsible without the puck. I think they are doing the same thing in Montreal. “

“Regardless of the role you want to entrust me with, I’m ready to fill it. I see. I have to discuss it further with the coach. But I’m ready for anything. I just have to discuss it with them. “