Pavel Datsyuk: Activity of Kazan is example for many cities

Forward of Russian ice hockey team and Detroit NHL team, ex-player of Ak Bars Kazan Pavel Datsyuk described the work carried out by Kazan on the development of sports among children as an example for other cities.

"Kazan is a sports city, the President of the republic and the mayor of the city are sport persons too. I am not for the first year here. We love Kazan and everything that has being done here is an example for many cities. I hope to come here again. And the children, whom you have entrusted to us, will enjoy the process and get a lot of positive emotions and learn something from us," he said to journalists today.

The training camp of Pavel Datsyuk was held in Kazan for a few days. Coaches from North America arrived with him to train and teach students of Kazan hockey school. A total of 72 Kazan students, including one girl, participated in the camp.

In an interview with reporters and coaches, Jay and Todd Woodcrofts expressed the pleasure from the trip to Kazan.

"From our point of view, Kazan warmly welcomed coaches, who arrived from around the world. The site complies with international standards. Guys we were working with, had dedication, willingness to receive information and to learn what the coaches prepared for them. Our main task is to lay the foundation of knowledge," Jay Woodcroft said.

Within a week, young hockey players had daily three-hour training on the ice. Special exercises on horseback, ability to pass a puck, stick possession had been prepared for the guys. Particular attention were given to puck control as well as ability to fight on the ice. In addition, the daily training includes physical fitness, video exercises. Every day training was finished with game aimed at development of the game thinking and team qualities.

In an interview with reporters, Ilsur Metshin expressed confidence that the school of Pavel Datsyuk was the event that would be remembered for a lifetime, and through training under the guidance of eminent coaches, guys had got new level of knowledge in hockey before the beginning of the season.