By agreeing on a two-year contract with Chelyabinsk-based Traktor in the KHL, former Canadian goalkeeper Zachary Fucale knew his choice would cause a stir given the current situation in Russia. “I just want us to understand the nuances. “I’m not a politician, I play hockey,” he admitted protocol.
Ever since the Canadiens picked him 36th overall in the 2013 draft, Fucale has persevered, mostly tossing his stuff between the American League and the ECHL.
In the 2021-22 season, his dream came true when he appeared in four NHL games for the Capitals, even suffering an unlikely shutout in his first start.
After another season with the Hershey Bears last winter, his contract ended and he turned to the KHL to pursue his career.
“I asked myself questions and spoke to several people who played there or are still there. I made my decision based on hockey. I won’t talk about geopolitics and just want to say that the KHL was not affected [par la guerre en Ukraine] last year. It’s my decision because it’s just what’s best for me in hockey. Russia and the KHL are two things,” he explained.
positive reviews
Zachary Fucale with the Canada Spengler Cup team in December 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOCKEY CANADA
When Fucale mentions that he’s gotten some players’ opinions, he’s specifically referring to his good friend, Quebec forward Philippe Maillet, who has just signed with Laval Rocket. The latter has spent the last two seasons in Magnitogorsk, in the KHL, just a few hours from Fucale’s home ground.
He also spoke to Yevgeny Kuznetsov, whom he met in Washington and who is from Chelyabinsk.
“I don’t know much about the place other than what people have told me. I know it’s quite far, in the middle of Russia.
“Of course I understand at the moment that the geopolitical context is delicate. Personally, I try to stay away from these conversations as much as possible because my life is playing hockey. People in life can be offered jobs all over the world. Just like me, I was offered a job, I asked my questions, I did my homework, I made my decision and that was it,” he said.
The dream is still alive
Zachary Fucale during warm up for the preseason game between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Center in Montreal on September 27, 2016. Ben Pelosse / Le Journal de Montreal
The 28-year-old Quebecois continues to cling to the NHL dream even as he’s fully aware that the years are passing.
“The NHL is always on my radar. There is always a chance to come back. Is that my absolute goal? It’s a cliche, but I try not to look too far into the future. You never know what will happen.
“It’s important for me to be proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I think I’ll get a great opportunity to play in the best league in Europe. It is already an achievement and may open more doors in the future,” he said.
Fucale will travel to Russia for his new side’s training camp in August. Without having received any promises, he expects to see a lot of ice if he performs accordingly.
“There are three importers in our team. I’m a goalkeeper and I’ll take one of the three outside positions so everyone can draw their own conclusions. The team will try to let me play as much as possible, but everything will depend on me and my performance.
A desire
Before hanging up, Fucale asked for one final clarification himself.
“I really hope something positive can come out of this. My goal is to seize the great opportunity to play at the best possible level. It is not my goal to leave a controversy for a professional and personal decision.