EXCLUSIVE | Traktor’s New Signee Steven Kampfer: I Play Better When My Family Isn’t Around

Traktor Chelyabinsk is one of the most intriguing projects as the new season of the FONBET Continental Hockey League (KHL) kicks off. Following a spring semifinal appearance in the Gagarin Cup (and a bronze medal finish), the Chelyabinsk team has decided to make significant changes. Canadian coach Benoit Groulx has taken the helm, and one of the most high-profile signings is American defenseman Steven Kampfer. Kampfer boasts 11 seasons in the NHL, including a championship and Stanley Cup final appearances with the Boston Bruins in 2011 and 2019, as well as a successful season in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan (2021/22).

Steven Kampfer. Photo: Traktor

Telecomasia.net arranged an interview with the player. After speaking with Kampfer, we learned about:

• the important factors he considered when choosing a club;
• his expectations for hockey this season;
• what surprised him about Russia compared to the U.S.;
• how easy it has been for him to adapt to working with Benoit Groulx;
• how many years Alex Ovechkin has left to catch and surpass Wayne Gretzky.

“Transfer to Traktor? I don’t think finances played a key role”

– Steve, it’s great to finally meet you. It’s been two years since you were last in Russia. How has your life changed since your time in Kazan?

– I had to return home for family reasons. Once I got back to America, I continued playing hockey, in my hometown as well, that was great. Later, I was traded to the Tucson Roadrunners. It was an amazing experience; I was older than the other young players, who were professional at that, but I had the opportunity to show them by example how to do things the right way.

– Do you feel like you lost any of your hockey skills during those two years? The AHL and KHL are quite different leagues.

– How often did Ak Bars reach out to you during those two years? It’s no secret that they were very eager to have you back.

– We communicated with Ak Bars' general manager Marat Valiullin. We kept an eye on the situation and discussed whether I enjoyed playing in America. Kazan was interested in bringing me back, and I also had a certain interest in returning to the KHL, but it wasn’t the best time for such discussions. Even when the rumors of my return started to appear in December, there was no ground for them at that time.

We talked about my potential return even before my move to Arizona, but it still was just talk because of family reasons. Once things settled down at home, it became easier to make decisions. Last summer, before moving to Traktor, I also had a conversation with Ak Bars.

Steven Kampfer. Photo: Ak Bars

– Did you meet when Benoit coached Syracuse?

– When he was the head coach of the Syracuse Crunch, I was playing for Providence and for Hartford. I often faced his teams and knew what kind of coach he was, plus I spoke with many players that Benoit Groulx had coached. I was excited about the chance to work with him. When we talked, it was a very straightforward and honest dialogue about how we both see this season, how we should build our relationship, and how to work together throughout the year.

– Can we say that the offer from Traktor was more appealing in every way, including financially?

– And Dylan Sikura?

– Sikura hadn’t signed with Traktor yet back then. I talked to the guys who were already playing for Traktor, and they spoke very positively about the club, about Chelyabinsk, and about the team mates. Last year, Traktor made it to the semifinals of the Gagarin Cup, and the team has a core of young players, which is interesting to me as a hockey player. And now they have such a great coach as well.

– And a rich history!

– During the preseason training camps, we developed our playing style to reach our goals. The playing style, the head coach, the general manager, and the fact that I would feel comfortable in the team and the city – all of this was important. Now I’m doing my best to be the kind of player who helps the team.

“I Play Better When My Family Isn’t Around”

– How did you manage to become the Most Valuable Player of the preseason tournament in your very first year in the KHL? And then have an outstanding season, from preseason to playoffs, delivering great performances in the series against Avangard?

– Before signing with Ak Bars, I spoke with Andy Miele, and we discussed the transition to the KHL and moving to Russia a lot. He sort of opened my eyes to the fact that I shouldn’t expect everything to be like in the NHL: practices and flights during the season are structured differently, for example.

It’s important to accept that things won’t be exactly as you’re used to. So, I came to Kazan, open to everything new. My time in Kazan turned out to be great, and my adaptation went smoothly. The coaching staff and Ak Bars as an organization played a big role in that. Every day I wanted to learn something new and not take anything for granted.

I understood that if I succeeded and my game went smoothly, I would help the team, and if I struggled on the ice, that could also affect the team's performance. I wanted to be the one who makes a difference on the ice. Every player strives for that. That’s the attitude I brought to that season, staying focused and committed to my work.

– Will being away from your family negatively affect you? After all, you had moved to Kazan with your loved ones.

– No, I play better when they’re not around (laughs). My wife and I often joke about that. I had a good preseason in Kazan, when my family hadn’t arrived yet. At the start of the season, when my family came, I went through a challenging stretch lasting about 6-8 games, which was not an easy start.

Of course, I love having my wife and son by my side, but my son started school, so they had to stay back home. My son is also doing sports, and he enjoys it. True, it’s not easy having them so far away, but we keep in touch most of the day, and we’ll find the best way to make things work.

– Voronkov and Kovalenko left for the NHL. Are you surprised by their progress?

– We've been on ice with Kovalenko all summer. He's in good shape. I don't think Voronkov surprised anyone with his progress either: He was already ready for the NHL when I joined Ak Bars, and I told him about it more than once. The same story is here with Kravtsov and Shabanov, they are both ready, everything depends on them.

– What’s your most vivid impression of Kazan in terms of hockey during that year? What surprised you about daily life?

– The entire hockey season was worth remembering. Of course, the exhibition match against Avangard in Dubai really stood out, as well as the game against SKA, where we were down by three goals but ended up winning. In Kazan, while we stayed at the training facility, I often took my son for walks in the nearby park; I have many memories about that place. spots there where we frequently had breakfast.

The food in Kazan is amazing! The “triangles” (eчпочмаки – a type of Tatar pastry) are delicious; we ate them constantly. We’ve already discussed with the legionnaires that when we go to Kazan and Ufa, we will definitely eat them. Kazan welcomed me and my family warmly, and I can only describe this city and the Ak Bars hockey club positively.

Steven Kampfer with his son. Photo: Ak Bars

“I’m Ready for a Leadership Role in Traktor”

– You played in the preseason against Chelmet. What do you think of the youth players in Chelyabinsk?

– I wouldn’t say I had a solid impression of Traktor's youth at that point because I missed a week and a half of training camp. However, during the game, the guys worked really hard. Many of them were with us later during the camp and played well in the tournament in Omsk. It’s great that we have such talented players, as injuries can happen to the main squad during the season, and the youth will be called upon to play for the main team. By then, the coaching staff will have a sense of how each player performs.

– How much time will you need to adapt? After all, it’s a new team, and you’ve had a two-year break from playing in the KHL.

– I think I’ve adapted without any issues and I have no problem playing. Right now, we are working on our system, practicing, and refining our play. Everyone is getting used to the new system, it will take a little time, but the guys quickly understand how Benoit envisions the team’s play. My job is to get out there and showcase my skills. Of course, within the framework of our system, but we all need to show our game while meeting those requirements. I don’t think I need any kind of an extended adaptation period.

– The rink in Kazan has a Canadian-sized ice surface, while the one in Chelyabinsk is Finnish-sized. Is that a problem for you?

– No, not at all. I like the size of the ice at our arena, I enjoy having a bit more space. Players who like skating, like me, enjoy that size of the rink because it offers more variability. For example, before the preseason tournament in Omsk, we practiced at the academy to get used to it a bit, but I wouldn’t say it was difficult to adjust. I’ve been playing professional hockey for 16 years, with 14 of those in NHL arenas, so transitioning is not a challenge for me.

– Which defense partners do you feel most comfortable playing with? Who speaks English well among the Russian players?

– I like all the defensemen on our team. I will play with whoever the coach pairs me with. In the preseason, I already played with four different partners, and it’s up to the coaching staff to decide. I think it would be better to ask the head coach or the defensive coach about that. No matter who I’m paired with, we’ll work to complete each other.

Many guys on the team have played in North America. You can mention Kravtsov and Der-Arguchintsev; Artem Blazhievskiy speaks English well too. Many of the players understand the language well, even if they don’t speak it much. We, as foreign players, try to speak slowly with the Russian players. Moreover, we have coach Yury Kuzmenko, who helps with translation during practices, and Boris Mironov speaks English well. About 5-6 players are fluent in English, and I can communicate with the others as well.

– You have been invited to take on a leadership role. Are you ready for the responsibility?

– Yes, I’m ready. I will fulfill the role the coaching staff gives me. Right now, we have two very good power play units. In the second unit, Sergei Telegin is at the top, and he does very well with moving the puck. Of course, with all this responsibility, it’s important to stay true to yourself, help the guys, help out in difficult situations, and communicate. What I like about Traktor is that all the players are invested in the team’s success; everyone is trying to do their job well so we can win every game.

– What is the most challenging part of adapting to Benoit Groulx's system after playing in the AHL and NHL?

– In Chelyabinsk, even housewives understand hockey. The press can be harsh. Are you prepared for that kind of pressure?

– I don’t understand Russian, so I don’t even read the comments. I can’t wait to play in front of the Chelyabinsk fans, and I’m excited to be part of Traktor. I look forward to helping the team win, and I'm happy to start this new phase. Of course, the fans follow the team closely, it’s their right because they want to share the victories with their team.

If I don’t play well, I’ll be the first to point that out. I don’t need to read the comments to realize I played poorly; I can simply tell the person I see in the mirror that I didn’t perform well. As I’ve matured and become a father, I’ve realized that the older you get, the less attention you pay to social media criticism and the more focus you put on your actions.

Steven Kampfer. Photo: Traktor

"I’ve Tried Horse Meat in Kazan. I Would Refuse If They Offered It in the USA"

– You played an offensive role at one point in Kazan. Is something similar planned for Chelyabinsk?

– I played as a forward in the fifth game of the series against Avangard in the playoffs because we were struggling offensively. That’s why I played as a forward the third period and overtime.

– You even scored a goal.

– Yes, we couldn’t create anything offensively, so I was put on a line with Jordan Weal to see if we could make something happen. That was the decision in the locker room, and the head coach thought it could work. And it did.

– It was quite an impressive goal.

– As I said, you do whatever it takes to help your team win. But I hope that in Traktor, I won’t be playing as a forward (smiling). After all, I was hired as a defenseman. However, I’ll do everything I can to help the team succeed.

– And what if the head coach asks you to play as a goalie?

– No chance.

– How do you find Chelyabinsk compared to Kazan? What places do you like?

– I really like the city. Even though I’ve only spent a little time in Chelyabinsk, I've managed to explore it. There’s a nice market in the center where you can buy great products. I took a walk in a small park near the arena on the weekend. The guys who played in Chelyabinsk last year recommended some good restaurants. I try to ask the guys where they like to go. But there are still so many places in the city that we haven’t been to yet. We might go play golf.

– What surprises you about Russia? Are you impressed with the food? Perhaps the heating in winter surprised you?

In Kazan, we tried horse meat, and honestly, if someone had offered that to me in the U.S., I would have probably refused. You need to be open to new experiences and get used to the unfamiliar. After all, you’ll never know what new dishes you might like if you don’t try them.

– Do you cook for yourself?

– I don’t cook, that’s not my thing. I usually eat out.

Steven Kampfer. Photo: Ak Bars

"KHL is Second in the World After the NHL. If I Can't Play in the NHL, I’ll Play Here"

– What are your most vivid impressions of the NHL?

– Of course, winning the Stanley Cup stands out. My first game in the NHL. There were many memorable moments, actually. The playoff experience, especially when you advance far with your team. A lot of highs and lows, and the difficult times ultimately shape you into the player you are today.

Every person goes through tough periods that change them. I cherish the opportunity to have played in the NHL, I was lucky to have had a long career in that league. Not a single day was taken for granted because every day could have been my last. I was fortunate to play for 11 seasons.

– What has been the most dramatic moment of your career?

– I suffered a knee injury early in my career when I had just turned 21. It was tough because I couldn’t play, and I had to undergo surgery. But the hardest moment was the loss with Boston to St. Louis in 2019, in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. It felt like we had a chance to win that crucial home game. It was dramatic because it affected everyone on the team. My son was born just three days after that game, so it wasn’t too difficult for me to lighten up. There wasn’t much time to dwell on that series. But, of course, it was not easy.

– Who from that Boston team made the biggest impression on you? Perhaps Brad Marchand, who is still playing? Who do you consider a true professional and a role model?

– Marchand and I are the same age, so he wouldn’t really qualify as my role model. However, I certainly respect him and admire his professional journey. I was fortunate to play under great captains like Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and Mark Recchi. The way they treated the team, the staff, and people around them helped create the culture of the most altruistic team I have ever been part of.

– What do you mean by that?

– Everyone genuinely cared about each other, without worrying about who was scoring goals or racking up points. The team's success was everyone’s priority. It’s the teams with players like that who win, not the ones who are focused solely on personal statistics. Everyone thought: “What do I need to do to help my team?” And no matter what happened, everyone did their best to achieve victory without whining or complaining. That’s why Boston had such a long successful streak – it all came down to a lack of selfishness.

– You crossed paths with Jagr in Florida. He’s 52 and he has said that he intends to play a full season. Do you have any stories about him?

– When I was with Florida, I sat next to him in the locker room, and we got along well. I grew up in the '90s, witnessing the years when Jagr was the best player in the NHL. His approach to the game serves as an example, one that has shaped players like Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov into the athletes we see today. It was incredible to observe his dedication. He was always at the arena, always striving to improve, it was truly inspiring. Playing alongside a Hall of Fame player like him, who still wants to continue playing hockey, was a wonderful experience.

– Ovechkin needs to score 41 goals to break Gretzky’s record. How many seasons do you think it will take him to do that?

– 41 goals?

– Yes.

– I’d say two seasons. When does his contract expire?

– In 2026.

– Right, two seasons.

– How is your wife Tara doing? How's her fishing going?

– Tara is doing well; she is currently recovering from a knee injury, so fishing is on hold for now. I’m sure she wishes she could fish more than she currently can, but she’s dealing with some knee issues.

– Do you think Sikura will be one of the best players in the KHL? Or will someone else you know give him tough competition?

– Dylan had a very strong preseason. He moved to the KHL from Sweden, and I believe he can score a lot. A player of his level is always a threat to goalies in terms of shooting; that was true in the AHL and in the NHL. I think Dylan hasn’t shown his best game yet since the season has just begun, and he is still adapting to the league. He’s an incredible player I’ve followed for a long time, and he has the potential to become a star in the KHL, setting an example for other players.

Looking at our lineup, Shabanov, Tkachev, Kravtsov, and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev and Dylan, these guys can create a lot of scoring opportunities together. Sikura is starting to prove that. Throughout the season, I think we will be hearing a lot about Dylan.

Steven Kampfer. Photo: Traktor

– What is the power of hockey and what are your expectations for the season?

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