Henrik Haukeland’s transfer to Russia has attracted attention.
Now the Norwegian hockey goalie is speaking out.
– It has primarily been a career decision for me as a hockey player. I don’t want to go into political issues, he says TV2.
Henrik Haukeland, 31, was presented earlier this week to Russian Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL.
A transfer that has stirred emotions and the goalkeeper – who took part in winning bronze at the World Cup with Norway – has been ported from the Norwegian national team.
– I am fully aware that this election will arouse reactions, and I have been aware of that throughout the process. This is not a decision that I have taken lightly either, he tells TV2.
Money in mind
Several Russian media have reported that Haukeland will receive around seven million Swedish kronor per season. He has signed a two-year contract.
– I do not intend to hide that the financial conditions have been part of the assessment. As a professional athlete, you have a limited career window, and it would be dishonest to say that it didn’t matter. At the same time, I have previously turned down better paying offers because I wanted to continue playing at the highest possible level. Therefore, this choice is about both sporting and financial considerations, he says.
Haukeland is signed to the Russian club from Germany’s Straubing Tigers and was hoping to receive an NHL offer. But when he hadn’t received it by June 15, he says he needed to think again.
Links to Putin
From TV2, he is asked how he views the fact that the club president has been deputy energy minister in Russia and represents Vladimir Putin’s party.
– I understand that this is an issue that many people care about. But I have chosen to focus on the sporting and professional aspects of the offer. This has primarily been a career decision for me as a hockey player. I don’t want to get into political issues.
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