Screaming Eagles players from Russia learning English

Junior hockey players new to Cape Breton face intense competitive pressure on the ice as members of the Screaming Eagles, but for some there is added pressure in learning a new language.

Screaming Eagles Forward Maxim Lazarev is an 18-year-old from Kazan, Russia and a second year player. He says the biggest challenge so far has been learning English.

“It was hard for me the first month,” he said. “But after I learned a little more English I understand the coach stuff and the guys help me on the ice.”

The goal for the team is to get the players speaking English as quickly as possible according to Peter MacDonald with the Screaming Eagles.

“It was extremely important they learned English as quickly as possible,” he said. “Not only to interact with our coaching staff to receive instruction, but also to able to socialize with their teammates and blend into the community and really have the experience playing hockey in Canada.”

Retired teacher Cameron Clarke is the team tutor and says Lazarev is one of the most motivated students he’s ever had.

Clarke said the new language is a big challenge.

​“They’re getting instructions in English about the game, about hockey,” he said. “And they’re getting instruction from about what to eat or I am asking them different everyday things that they do, so I think it's challenging.”

Lazarev was so motivated, he asked if he could take a course at Cape Breton University.

The education coordinator for the Eagles, Gary MacLean, said his agent, who represents several Russian players, was impressed.

“This was the first time he'd ever heard one of them express an interest in going to school. He was excited by that and he was hoping we'd be able to make it happen for him,” MacLean said.

Lazarev is now enrolled in a marketing course.

While he's learning some formal language, he's also caught on to some of the local lingo.

“Hi and 'how's she going bye?” said Lazarev. “It's how you say in Cape Breton you know.”