A holiday wish for Sergei Kostitsyn

by Hockey Hillbilly on Dec 22, 2010 4:53 PM EST

At the Christmas season, there is no place like home for the holidays--except for Siarhiej Aliehavic Kascicyn, whom we know as Sergei Kostitsyn of the Nashville Predators.

His native Belarus is wracked by violence. Officially police report detention of 639 people, and the Interior Ministry said some of those arrested face up to 15 years in prison for "organizing mass disturbances." They were accused of protesting on behalf of what President Alexander Lukashenko termed "hare-brained democracy" in the wake of his reelection. Lukashenko was officially declared the winner with 79.7% of the vote after hundreds of riot police stormed Independence Square in central Minsk, Sergei's home town, and dispersed an estimated 20,000 protesters outside the main government building. Many were beaten and at least four of Lukashenko's nine rival presidential candidates were arrested, their aides said.

Life outside Belarus has not been easy for Sergei, as we know. Last year La Presse of Montreal reported that Sergei, along with brother Andrei and defenceman Roman Hamrlik of the Canadiens, had links with Pasquale Mangiola, a member of an organized crime group who was charged with firearms and drugs offenses. La Presse also reported that the three players were not involved in any criminal activities and no investigation against them is planned. Last spring Sergei was effectively cut from the Habs when coach Jacques Martin told him to stay off the ice for morning practice.

Now he is in Nashville on a league minimum contract and has shown glimpses of the talent he displayed during his time in the Ontario Hockey League and in world competition. He appears to subscribe to the "Predator way" of hockey.

It's part of our tradition here in Nashville to welcome strangers, particularly those who require a little extra understanding, so this Christmas send a good wish to Sergei Kostitsyn.

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Bravo, HH. Merry Christmas to Sergei, for sure.

by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2010 5:10 PM EST reply actions

Way to go HH for bringing this to light. I heard the story about Belarus on the radio a few days ago and wondered if Sergei has any family in trouble. Thanks for sharing it.
I like what I’ve seen out of Sergei and wish him all the best. I hope he feels welcome in Nashville.

by Tim P on Dec 22, 2010 5:51 PM EST reply actions

Very good post!

Puts a lot into perspective as to what some of these young men have to deal with being so far away from home, especially one so unstable.

EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Dec 27, 2010 11:27 PM EST reply actions

You are awesome HH!

And so is Sergei! I’m so glad we traded for him! Sure it took a while for him to start playing consistently but it sure looks like he’s found a special place here in Nashville. I hope his troubled past is over with and I pray his Belarus finds some peace and understanding in this coming year.

by preds4ever on Dec 28, 2010 11:20 PM EST reply actions

Nice post

It’s been easy to root for Sergei this year, and he’s been huge for the Preds lately. With all of the injuries to our forwards, we’d been in big trouble without him. I hope he likes it in Nashville as much as we’ve all liked him here.

by Stu0624 on Jan 2, 2011 11:17 AM EST reply actions

Thank you

for this post HH. Sergei is fast becoming one of my favorites – not only for his game, but for his complete story as well. I certainly hope his game gets better, and he finds a permanent home here with the Preds.

by XVIII on Jan 4, 2011 9:42 AM EST reply actions