European Senators learn life lessons in Ottawa, writes Brad Cicero
Ceske-Budejovice, Czechoslovakia is where Stan Neckar, 21, was born.
If you’re having trouble pronouncing that, Neckar offers some help.
“It’s like Budweiser . . . You know the beer.”
When it comes to beer, Neckar, who pronounces his name NEHTS-kahrzh, still prefers his Czech home brews. It’s one of the few things he can get here in Ottawa that reminds him of home.
Neckar is one of nine players currently on the Ottawa Senators roster born outside of North America. That’s almost 40 per cent of the team.
For these players, there is more to worry about than the next game or practice. A whole new way of life comes along with the chance to play in the NHL.
“In Czech, everyone gets married at 20, 21,” says Neckar. “Here you wait until you get a career.”
Neckar has adjusted remarkably well since crossing the Atlantic over three years ago as a 17-year-old.
He spoke no English at the time, but now his Czech accent is an afterthought to his easygoing manner and conversational English.
“Ottawa is like a European city,” says Neckar.
“Some of the buildings are the same, especially Parliament.”
Neckar also brought an enthusiasm for North American music with him to Ottawa. He started listening to it in the Czech Republic before he came over.
“I like Pantera, Metallica . . . Hard stuff. I drum. We have a band here and I play. I have three bands back home. I play before games sometimes. It helps me relax.”
Despite the best efforts of teammates, some parts of home can’t be replaced. Bringing a part of home with them helps players adjust to their new environment.
Senators’ star centre, Alexei Yashin, 24, brought his mother, father and brother to Ottawa from Russia.
He says support from his family has helped him to adjust to life in Ottawa, but some things will always be different.
“It’s a different lifestyle and you have to change too. The guys are friendly to me and support me, and they understand I do some things differently.
“So many things here are the same as in Russia, but they are still different. It’s hard to explain unless you live in Russia.”
In 1989, communist governments fell throughout much of Eastern Europe.
Neckar says when communism ended, aspects of North American culture became more visible at home. Material goods like CDs and clothes were available to be bought. This made his transition to Ottawa in 1994 easier.
But he admits, “I miss my friends, I miss my family.”
Randy Cunneyworth, the Senators’ captain, says he notices the difference between players from Eastern Europe who came over before the Iron Curtain fell, and those who came after.
“Most guys are (doing better with language and culture) now than in years before,” he says.
“In the past, most players knew no English at all. They learn before they come over now.”
Cunneyworth says it’s especially important to make players from different cultures feel welcome.
“It’s important to make that extra effort to include guys because sometimes it’s very easy for someone to feel left out. (Foreign players) adapt very well here and they’re well accepted.”
Hockey is the biggest constant for Neckar and other Europeans on the Senators.
“The game is different here, so you do have to get used to it,” Neckar says.
“But I spend most of my time at the rink, so I feel comfortable here.”
Life outside hockey is different for these players, but sometimes it’s hard for even them to see just how different.
“Change is slow,” says Yashin. “You don’t really notice it.
“Lots of people say I’m different now, but it’s hard for me to see.”