The eighteenth season of the Kontinental Hockey League is in full swing. However, Barys Astana’s chances of reaching the playoffs remain uncertain. Mikhail Kravets’ team is facing serious difficulties with converting scoring opportunities. Despite defeats and a prolonged goal drought, Barys still has a chance to fight for a playoff spot. After a home game against Far Eastern Admiral, American defenseman Riley Walsh spoke about his first season in the KHL and life in Astana.
- What can you say about the game against Admiral, where the team could have earned points? What went wrong?
- Honestly, there wasn’t much positive. I think we came out a bit flat. They scored first, we had our chances, but this has become a recurring story in the second half of the season: we can’t score, then we make a mistake, and the opponent punishes us. This has been going on for quite a while. It’s not what any of us want, and of course it’s tough. We’ve been struggling at home for a long time, and that’s especially hard, because we play for our fans. That’s a big issue for us right now. We need to find a way to break this cycle.
HC "Barys"
- Speaking about road games, Barys had a stretch in Togliatti, Moscow, and Nizhnekamsk, but points were also hard to come by.
- I actually think we played better on the road. We worked hard and competed. But the same problem remains - we can’t finish our chances. We don’t generate many opportunities, and when the opponent gets theirs, they score. That affects the flow of the game. In those three games we battled, but it wasn’t enough to win. As for the game against Admiral, honestly, that one was pretty embarrassing.
- There are still games left before the playoffs. What strengths of the team can help you earn points and score more?
- We have speed and skill, and we have hard-working guys. Sometimes it feels like someone just needs to see the puck finally go in. Right now it feels like the net is twice as small. One goal, one point, one good play could give us momentum and confidence. But mentally it’s very tough. When a goal drought drags on, it gets harder with every game. That’s why it’s important to have a short memory - forget the bad, take the good, and move forward. We have 16 games left, less than two months, and we want to finish the season as strong as possible and win as many games as we can.
HC "Barys"
- Speaking about you personally: sometimes you play well but the stats don’t reflect it, and sometimes it’s the opposite. How do you deal with that?
- When the team isn’t scoring, the stats suffer too. For me, it’s important to feel that I’m moving well, that my legs are there. When I feel speed, I can be useful both offensively and defensively. Of course, it’s nice when a good game is rewarded with points, but right now that’s very hard - for me and for the whole team. It’s a very frustrating period. Still, we try to take positives, learn from mistakes, and keep working. At the end of the day, we’re grateful that this is our job and that we get to play hockey. I try to come in every day with a good attitude and not bury myself in negativity.
- In which game situations do you feel most confident?
- In the offensive zone, especially on the power play. Also on breakouts and in the neutral zone, when there’s some time and space - I like finding opportunities to make a good pass. On the power play, I’m comfortable working at the blue line. I believe I have a good shot and good vision. But I also feel confident defensively, especially when I’m moving well. I’m not the biggest guy, but I can compensate with skating and stick work. When you break up plays, it often leads to good offensive transitions.
- What is harder for you: playing against fast teams or physically heavy ones?
- Physical hockey is tougher for me. I prefer a game with speed, skill, and puck movement. In the first half of the season, the hockey was more skill-based, and that allowed me to show myself more. Now, as the playoffs approach, teams play tighter, harder, more playoff-style hockey. I understand that’s how it should be, but personally I feel more comfortable in a less physical game.
HC "Barys"
- This season you are one of Barys’ most productive players. How do you feel those moments when you can take shots on goal?
- The start of the season was probably the best of my professional career. I scored a lot - on the power play and at even strength. Honestly, it feels like two different seasons. Early on, I was constantly involved in the offense, I felt engaged. Now that feeling isn’t really there. As a defenseman, I can’t just force the attack - my main responsibility is still defense. Right now it feels like every shot either hits the goalie or gets blocked. At the start of the season, I played more freely and confidently. But I know I need to keep shooting, and sooner or later it will start working again.
- After games, do you review your good moments or your mistakes more often?
- Mistakes. I want to understand whether it was a technical error, a mental one, or just a game situation that couldn’t be controlled. Good moments are important too - they give confidence. But mistakes teach you more, so I focus on them.
HC "Barys"
- If you compare Astana to other cities where you’ve played, what stands out?
- It’s the biggest city I’ve ever played in. In the American League, the cities are much smaller, and here it’s the capital. I like that there are many places to eat, spend time, and get distracted. The architecture is very interesting - we’ve tried to see the city, museums, major buildings, shopping malls. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve played.
- What place in Astana do you like the most?
- I live near Abu Dhabi Plaza, I like that area. We often go to restaurants, Mega Silk Way, or just take walks when the weather allows. Right now it’s too cold, of course, but overall the city is very comfortable.
HC "Barys"
- What from Kazakh culture impressed you the most?
- I really like the tradition of shaking hands in the morning and looking a person in the eyes. It’s a sign of respect. In the U.S. we say “hi” too, but here it feels especially formal and warm. I want to take that habit back home with me.
- Do you know any words in Kazakh?
- I know “rahmet” - thank you.
