After a challenging road trip, Barys begins a long home stretch against Torpedo, Sibir, Avangard, Ak Bars, and Amur. One of the team’s offensive leaders, forward Mason Morelli, summed up the recent away games and spoke about his adaptation to life in Kazakhstan.
This season, Morelli has firmly established himself as Barys’ first-line center. He consistently logs the most ice time on the team — and the second-most among all KHL forwards. With 8 points (3+5) in 15 games, he’s becoming one of the key players setting the tempo and leading the Astana team forward.
Before coming to Kazakhstan, Mason went through an impressive journey: in the 2022/23 season, he won the Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears, and later joined the Vegas Golden Knights organization — a club that soon captured the Stanley Cup. That experience helped him develop a winner’s mindset and bring it to his new team — Barys.
— After 15 games, the team has 13 points. How do you assess the start of the season and the team’s potential?
— I think we’re playing some good hockey. Of course, there are some mistakes, but we’re working on them. Overall, we have a great group, and we’re becoming more united. The potential here is huge.
— You’ve played all 15 games, collected 8 points, and solidified your spot on the top line. How is your adaptation to the KHL and Kazakhstan going?
— Everything’s going great. We have awesome guys, good coaches, and we really like the city. It’s been a good start — we’ll keep improving and helping the team.
@HC Barys
— What can you say about the home game against Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod?
— I think we made a few mental mistakes. We had our chances but didn’t capitalize. We worked hard and tried, but we need to pay a bit more attention to the details and play cleaner.
— Before that game, Barys had the best penalty kill in the league, but today it didn’t work out. Why?
— We just needed to be a little sharper and more focused. It all depends on us, the players. We have to be better — and we will be next game.
— Tyce Thompson and Tyler Wotherspoon returned to the lineup. How much did that help the team?
— It’s great to have the guys back. It brings confidence and energy, gives us a fuller lineup. They did a really good job today.
— The team just finished another road trip — again without a win. What’s the atmosphere like in the locker room right now?
— The atmosphere is good. We have a great team, strong leaders, and a solid coaching staff. The guys are getting closer, and our chemistry is growing. We’re moving in the right direction.
— Barys was close to winning almost every road game — most losses were by just one goal. Do you feel the team is on the verge of turning that around?
— Yeah, we’re really close. We’re building our game and moving forward. We just need to find a way to score a few more goals. Many games have ended with a one-goal difference — we’re right there, we just need to finish our chances.
@HC Barys
— The game in Novosibirsk went to a shootout. Sibir had a coaching change. Did the team seem different compared to your previous meeting?
— Not really. They still work hard, they’re a good team. I think they played in a similar style. We’ll meet them again soon — hopefully next time we get the win.
— The game in Kazan was probably one of the best on the road. What did you like most about the team’s play there?
— We worked hard, played solid defense, kept a good pace, and scored a couple of goals. Unfortunately, again, we were just one short. But like I said, we’re losing by one goal a lot — we just need to find a way to be on the right side of those results, because we’re very close.
— In the game against Traktor, you got a five-minute penalty early on. What happened from your point of view?
— It was just bad luck. I didn’t mean to play rough — the opponent fell a bit too easily. Unfortunate moment, just unlucky.
— How hard is it to get back into rhythm after your team spends several minutes killing a penalty?
— It’s not easy, but credit to our defensemen and penalty killers — they did a great job. Everyone’s working hard, battling, giving their best. We’ll keep improving and hopefully start getting wins and points soon.
@HC Barys
— Why do you think the team struggles to earn points on the road so far?
— It’s always tougher on the road — you’re in less comfortable conditions. But we’re learning to deal with that, trying to play our game and score more. We’ll keep working and improving to win on the road too.
— Let’s talk about your career a bit. Your NHL debut was special — you scored a goal and an assist in your very first game, becoming the first player in Vegas history to record a point in his debut. What did you feel then, and how do you use that experience now in the KHL?
— It was an incredible feeling. I try to use that experience to keep improving — first in defense, then in offense. I just try to play simple, hard, and do everything to help the team win. We’ll learn from today’s game and keep getting better.
— How did playing in such top-level organizations shape your understanding of hockey?
— I was lucky to play with great teammates and coaches. The AHL playoffs and time with strong clubs taught me a lot — especially about consistency and defensive awareness. I’m trying to develop every day and use that experience here to help Barys.
@HC Barys
— In North America, you played against many strong players. Was there anyone who especially inspired you or taught you something?
— Yeah, I’ve played with a lot of great players and coaches. But my biggest inspirations were my dad and grandpa — they both played hockey. I learned a lot from them and from experienced teammates I’ve played with.
— Have you met any players in the KHL you used to play against in North America?
— Yeah, for sure. For example, I played against Walsh and some other guys, and now I’m with Vechione here. It’s great to see familiar faces in the KHL.
— The Barys defensemen have been very productive this season. How much does that help you as a center?
— It helps a lot. Our defensemen are doing a great job joining the offense, which makes our team more dynamic. They deserve a lot of credit.
— The center position comes with a lot of responsibility and key faceoffs. How do you feel about your role on the team?
— I like it. I love being on the ice in all situations, taking responsibility. I just try to help the team win and get better every day.
— This is your first time in Kazakhstan. What are your impressions of the country and its culture?
— Everything’s great. Astana is a beautiful city with great restaurants and kind people. And the fans are just amazing — they create an incredible atmosphere at home games.
@HC Barys
— How does the home atmosphere compare to road games?
— Fans on the road are also active, but at home — it’s something special. Our fans are really loud and support us all the way. Huge thanks to them.
— Have you had a chance to explore the city a bit?
— A little, yeah. I’ve been to the tower with the golden ball — in the city center. Also went to some malls and restaurants. I haven’t had much free time yet, but we really like it here. Astana is a beautiful city.
