Sochi news and notes - Tuesday 11 February

  Is the news of the day here in Sochi: USA Hockey (and Nashville Predators) GM David Poile won't travel to Russia because he needed a facial surgery after being hit by a puck while watching the Predators' pregame training last week in Minnesota. "Serving as GM of the U.S. Olympic Team has been the opportunity of a lifetime and I am forever grateful to USA Hockey, however, it is not possible for me to travel at this time, but I will remain in contact with Ray Shero, Brian Burke, Jim Johansson and our coaching staff during the games. Team USA is in great hands and I will be there in spirit. I wish all the best for our players, coaches and entire group as they begin play in the 2014 Olympics and go for the gold." said Poile in a statement on Predators' site.

Forward Max Pacioretty has reasons to feel comfortable in Russia: "Thanks to my wife, I know more about Russia than the average Americans. I was in Russia several times, I know their culture, I know some of the words.It helps me, because the people are friendly, when you interact with them in their language" Pacioretty is married with Katarina, sister of former Russian player Maxim Afinogenov, but "her parents will cheering for the Americans, for me" - said Pacioretty.

We are waiting for Norwegian team parade in underwear after star player Patrick Thoresen declared: "There are a few newcomers here who go through the process of initiation.We'll figure out something interesting. And we decided they will repeat the parade that guys did before the World Championship in Stockholm. It's not impossible. First we must all agree with the police not to do anything too extraordinary" No comments from coach Roy Johnson. Norway will debut against Canada on February 13.

Russian coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov said during the morning press conference that it's still undecided who will be the starting goalie for Russia: "The team is in good condition.The first training session was held after the long travel for players coming from North America, but today was a very different codition. I think everything will be fine.As for the goalie position, we discuss solutions yet". Also team captain Pavel Datsyuk, despite the knee injury that allowed him to play just 2 games before the Olympics, reported good feelings: "I'm feeling wonderful, everything is good.I will play 100 percent. I had good impressions from training session. Play for Russia it's always very nice. At the Olympics there is always a lot of pressure, but now it's more then special because we're playing at home". During the training Datsyuk played in the line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Radulov.

Canadian defender P.K. Subban was surprised about the level of organization in Sochi, despite North American media reporting a lot of problems: "What we saw in Sochi it's the exact opposite of what media said. Rooms are stunning and the organization great. Our veteran players told that everything is arranged better than in Turin.I must pay tribute to the people of Sochi and Russia as a whole.They did everything for us to be comfortable and games still not begun! I think it will be even better!"

Austrian captain Thomas Vanek share his first impressions: "It's strange to think you are at Winter Games, here dosn't seem to! Nearly 17 degrees and sunshine, you can imagine it! No comparison to New York."

Finnish players are still uncomfortable with time difference: "I'm waking up each morning at three" defenseman Sami Salo said "and I meet Olli Jokinen at five with breakfast!" "I woke up at half past three, my night was definitely pretty bad! We still need a couple of days here to take the right rhythm" said goalie Tuukka Rask. Alexander Barkov slept until eight o'clock in the morning, but: "I woke up during the night seven times."

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