In today's episode of Icebreakers, we welcome Darren Dietz, Canadian-born, former "Barys Nur-Sultan" team captain and current Russian CSKA hockey player. After a successful transition to "Barys" and KHL League, he became a national treasure among Kazakh fans and was awarded a KHL Defenseman of the Year in 2018/2019.
Darren shares his professional hockey journey throughout the NHL and KHL leagues, as well as his experience living in the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also discusses international sports cooperation opportunities between Canada and Eurasia and his latest transition to the CSKA Moscow.
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Timeline:
00:00 Intro
00:41 Introducing Darren Dietz
01:49 What is it like living in Kazakhstan?
03:24 Alberta and "Medicine Hat Tigers" Team
05:00 Drafted by Montreal Canadiens - Dream Come True!
06:00 New experiences in KHL
09:09 Greetings from Barys Team
10:35 Becoming a Kazakh hockey legend and Team Captain
13:24 Speaking Russian
16:40 Fast-forward transition to CSKA Red Army team
20:50 Darren the "Ptichka!"
21:58 Reciting "Zimnee Utro" by Pushkin at All-Stars KHL event
24:00 Common traits between Canadians, Kazakhs and Russians
25:27 On perspectives between NHL and KHL
28:05 50th Anniversary of Canada and USSR Superseries
29:10 What made Darren a leader?
29:55 What does the future hold for Darren Dietz?
30:48 Conclusion
Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org
