This is Russia: Bernd Brückler’s book proves to be a hit

When did you decide to write a book about your experience in Russia?
The season before I came to Russia, I was playing in Finland for Espoo. We even played in the Champions Hockey League and my agent called to say he has a job for me in Russia. I tried to find out more information about Nizhny Novgorod and KHL, but there was nothing out there. The only book was from Dave King who coached Magnitogorsk. It was more like a diary, though, and was not much help. When I eventually signed a contract, I started toying with the idea of writing about the experience.

How did that transform into the actual book?
I got to experience the life in Russia, everything that happened around me. After more than three years in KHL, I had over 200 pages of text. It was almost certain 
that I won´t be coming back to play there again so we decided to work on publishing it. The co-author of the book is Risto Pakarinen who did a great job and put in a lot of his professional writer´s experience.

This is Russia: Life in the KHL - Doctors, bazas and millions of air miles by Bernd Brückler and Risto Pakarinen is currently available at Amazon.com in English and German. More language versions are to be published soon.

What has the feedback been so far?
It was tremendous, really great. A lot better than I could have imagined. The English version is out on the market for some time, German version was released one week ago. Translations to some other languages are ongoing. It is very exciting time since we wanted to get a story out there to as many people as we can.

Did you also have some reactions from Russia?
Yes. Actually, that´s the only negative reaction I have received so far. Former teammates gave me good feedback, but these are mostly guys who come from the West. Not so many people in Russia had the opportunity to actually read the book. It has been translated, but not published there. Then there were some excerpts from the book published on one website. Some people told me that I was little bit too hard on them for telling all the experiences, criticising the structure, bad rinks, bazas etc.

Why did you choose the name "This is Russia" for the book?
It is a line many Russian people use every day. Especially when something unexplained happens. They just shrug their shoulders and say "This is Russia".

Looking back, did the whole experience enrich you as a person?
Make no mistake, I would absolutely do it all over again. I got to know Russia, made many friends and have a lot of respect for people and country. There is fabulous culture.

Jeff Glass, Canadian goalie who is currently in his fifth season in Russia, has recently said that every day is an adventure and there is always some surprise waiting for you. Do you agree with this statement?
Yes, I have actually used the very same line. Just when you think you have seen it all, still some things that happen take you by surprise.

With this kind of experience behind your back, what do you think of the ongoing Olympic games in Sochi and problems during preparation that occured?
I think that Russia as a nation has come a long way and has made an incredible stride forward. I knew that not everything will be perfect, but I am sure that they try their best to make it a succesful event. And I am sure they will make it a good and unforgettable experience for all participating athletes.

Team Austria is among the competitors in the ice hockey tournament in Sochi. What do you think of their chances?
Austria is a small country and we will be up against big ice hockey nations. But I am sure that all 25 guys on the team will give all they have for the team. We have some NHL firepower on the roster in Thomas Vanek, Michael Grabner and Michael Raffl and it is going to be much needed. Hopefully we can cause some upset!

This is Russia: Life in the KHL - Doctors, bazas and millions of air miles by Bernd Brückler and Risto Pakarinen is currently available at Amazon.com in English and German. More language versions are to be published soon.

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