‘They’re treating us very well’: Fornaris on Kazan hospitality, his US relatives watching broadcasts, and Russian NHL players

Guests of the Games of the Future got an incredibly enthusiastic welcome in Kazan, Quetzales Mexico NA forward Carlos Fornaris told RT. He says he was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with such warmth by local fans. Fornaris also opened up about his first visit to Russia, said his US relatives followed live streams from Kazan, and called Pavel Datsyuk a magician.

— Congratulations on your first win at the Games of the Future. After you lost to Baltic Select, did you think that losing was not an option?

— It was a great day! We were a little upset after the defeat in the first game, all that pressure may have played a part. But we did a much better job in the game against Barys Cyber Team. I can’t even tell you right now how many goals I scored. What matters is that we won.

— It looked like the spectators were rooting for Quetzales Mexico NA. Did you feel that?

— Absolutely. It was even a little strange. They’re treating us very well in Russia, it’s amazing what a warm welcome we got. Some are specifically supporting our team. It’s a new experience for me. I’m not used to giving so many interviews, but I like it a lot. The games will be over before we know it, so we’re trying to savor every moment.

— Have your family congratulated you yet?

— My dad and my wife write to me all the time. My dad even says phygital hockey is his favorite sport now. They’re watching live streams of all Quetzales Mexico NA games online.

— How did you get to be on the team anyway?

— Our manager, David, told me about this new esport about a year before the start of the games. I instantly wanted to give it a try. It was an easy transition for me because I had been an avid gamer for some time, spending hours on the console. I could call myself a pro gamer. Where do I excel more, on the physical or the digital ice rink? Both!

— What did your family say when they learned you were going to Russia?

— They were worried at first. Kazan is far away from the US, after all. But now that I’m here and they’ve watched a few broadcasts they’re envious.

— What’s your impression of Kazan?

— It’s my first time here, but I’m loving it so far. It’s an interesting and beautiful city. I’ve visited the local kremlin. Andrey, my teammate, has taken me around downtown and to his favorite restaurant. The games infrastructure is incredible. Just look at the size of the hockey arena and the number of spectators!

— Is Kazan the coldest place you’ve ever been?

— I’ve visited many US states and played in Boston and Maine, but I’ve never experienced such low temperatures. When I arrived here and left the airport building, it was so cold I choked. And there’s a whole lot of snow, you sometimes can’t see the traffic for the snow. We have guys from Mexico who have never seen snow in their lives. They’re taking selfies in the snow and send them to their friends and family. They’re thrilled.

— They say some of the most beautiful girls in Russia live in Kazan. Do you agree? We won’t tell your wife…

— Well, if that’s between you and me, I’d say yes. They’re really cute.

— Have you tried the local cuisine?

— Honestly, not yet, because we usually eat at the hotel. But I’m looking forward to trying chak-chak, and I’ve heard a lot about borscht. It’s on my list.

— During the previous season, you played for the Atlanta Gladiators in the ECHL. Have you quit professional ice hockey?

— No, I’m still with this team. It’s going great and, with luck, I might come to play in Kazan again sometime.

— You have played in many minor leagues in North America. Do they really fight a lot there?

— It’s hard to imagine ice hockey without fighting. I too find myself forced to engage in fistfights on a regular basis, but normally no more than two or three times per season. There are guys though who average ten fights, can you imagine that! They see it as their duty. The enforcer culture is still strong in the ECHL, and there are still people whose role is to protect their teams’ star players. I actually have a lot of respect for them, and I’ve been friends with them in every team I’ve played for. These guys put their own health on the line fighting other tough guys to protect their partners.

— Can you recall your most violent fight?

— You know, you see all kinds of things. Several times, I’ve witnessed mass brawls with whole teams rushing in and swinging at each other. That, of course, doesn’t happen at every game.

— Given the amount of fighting in American minor leagues, players must get a lot of injuries.

— Unfortunately, yes. Take me. By 28, I’ve injured ligaments in both shoulders and cut my eye. But I consider myself lucky since others have had to hang up their skates due to injuries. Others have tried to return after recovery only to realize they can no longer play at the same level.

— What happened to your eye?

— There was a real danger of vision loss. I remember trying to open it and seeing nothing. It was very scary. I remember thinking, “That’s it.” Thank God, it passed, only a small scar remains. How long did it take me to recover? Two seconds (laughing)! I got up and played on.

— Pavel Gogolev, a Russian player for Sibir, who had also played in the ECHL, once told a story about an away game against the Norfolk Admirals. He says it’s a military city with the stadium designed specifically for prisoners.

— I’ve been there and even met another Russian, Denis Smirnov. Frankly speaking, it’s not the coolest place to play ice hockey. For example, they have metal bars in front of fan seats. There are police officers with automatic rifles. It’s probably the worst arena I’ve ever played in my career.

— Did you a have a realistic shot at the NHL? 

— Sadly, no. But I dream of wearing a Florida jersey at some point.

— Have you ever met any of the NHL’s current stars?

— Not stars, but I know a few guys who have made it to the NHL. Some have been in the Pittsburg system, although I don’t know if they’re still with the Penguins. I’ve never played with any Russians on the same team.

— Who is you favorite Russian player?

— Pavel Datsyuk hands down. He’s a real magician.

— Do you think Alexander Ovechkin will beat Wayne Gretzky’s record?

— I hope so. Ovi has the hardest shot I’ve ever seen.

— Who will be the top scorer, Nathan MacKinnon or Nikita Kucherov?

— Kucherov. I have to say, I like Nikita because his play reminds me of Datsyuk.