To Russia With Puck: CHL Graduates Head Overseas

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2004

By Lucas Aykroyd

Today, North American fans are accustomed to watching Russian players strut their skills on this side of the Atlantic. But recently, some Canadian CHL graduates have reversed the trend by heading over to Russia.

Few are better qualified to describe that experience than former goalie Vincent Riendeau, who became the first Canadian to play in the Russian Hockey League in 1999. The St-Hyacinthe, Quebec native starred for the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs in 1985-86 before his eight-season NHL career with Montreal, Detroit, St. Louis, and Boston.

After playing in various European leagues, what made Riendeau accept an offer from Lada Togliatti? “I’ve always been drawn to Russia since the 1972 Summit Series,” Riendeau said. “Vladislav Tretiak was my idol, and I’ve met many Russian players during my career. When these guys came over to North America, I found they were similar to how I started out: having little knowledge of English, feeling like strangers. They had a big cultural barrier to deal with.”

By age 32, Riendeau wasn’t intimidated about residing in Russia. He’s an adventurous type who once lived several months in Mexico with his wife, and adopted three children from there. He spoke with legendary netminder Ken Dryden to learn what to expect from Russian shooters. “They don’t just throw the puck at the net. Russian teams still use those five-man units. With their balance on the ice and their speed, they fire wrist shots a lot more. I had to adjust my style and learn to read the play. Simply coming out of the net to cover the angles wouldn’t cut it.”

Despite Russia’s reputation for offensive hockey, Riendeau discovered RHL games were often low-scoring. Teams employed tight positioning, frequently circling back to their own zones. Shots were rare, but each one was a threat.

Riendeau found acceptance among his new teammates. “Guys took me out everywhere, though most of the time we ate in the cafeteria with the whole team. I had to adjust to their food, and I didn’t understand everything, but it didn’t matter. You look at people’s eyes and you know if you’re liked or not.” Former NHL defenseman Ilya Byakin lived at the same hotel and became a close friend.

Travel proved less strenuous than in North America. “One week, you’d play two home games, and then you’d hit the road for two games.” Overnight train trips between cities were a novelty. The longest journey was a nine-hour flight to Amur Khabarovsk in Siberia, where Riendeau hooked up with opposing goalie Steve Plouffe (ex-Granby Bisons) for billiards after the game.

Riendeau played 21 regular season games for Togliatti before returning to North America in 2000. His advice for Canadians who follow in his footsteps? “You have to keep your mind open. Don’t expect all the same things you have at home. There are good people everywhere.”

Now working as a goalie coach with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and other organizations, Riendeau hopes to fill that role with Russian clubs in the future.