TVASports – Letang is a racing enthusiast

When he finds himself in Montreal, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kristopher Letang never misses an opportunity to jump at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to attend racing events.

Thanks to a close friend, he had the opportunity to meet Alex Tagliani, a few minutes before the start of the race the NAPA Auto Parts 200 NASCAR race in the Nationwide Series. Previously, Letang had the chance to tighten the clamp to another driver Patrick Carpentier in Québec.

“Of course I have a bias for Tagliani (Alex), but I do not hate Danica Patrick,” said Quebec hockey player smiling.

Letang also love to test his skills behind the wheel. “I go to Circuit Mont-Tremblant opportunity to test my skills. However, I could not do the tests. I love the “feeling” of being in a car.

“Right now I’m concentrating on hockey. We’ll see if I can go shopping at the end of my career. ”

In recent years, some hockey players try their luck in racing. This is the case of the former defenseman and current assistant coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Patrice Brisebois, who participates in some events in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

Also, there is the defender of the Tampa Bay Lightning Marc-Andre Bergeron, who takes part in races in the series Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC).

Heated negotiations

Letang following with interest the negotiations taking place between the NHLPA and NHL owners.

“I would like it to rule for the chance to be in training camp,” he said.

With the recent statements by the Executive Director of the NHLPA, Donald Fehr and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, triggering a lockout in September is a very strong possibility. Letang believes it is easier to survive in a labor dispute when you’re a young player.

“When you’re a veteran, you are closer to retirement and you’re in to your recent seasons. It is always flat for them to fail because of the lockout. When you’re young like me, you still have several options available to you. ”

Letang has attended all the NHLPA conference call, so he is aware of the demands of the owners. “If you look at the latest proposals, I think it’s time for the owners to compromise,” he analyzed.

Since June, the defender is training in the gym. He made his return to the ice to prepare for training camp even if a lockout hanging over his head.

During the season, he had the opportunity to speak to his teammate Sidney Crosby. To say Letang, Penguins captain feels great, he who has suffered two concussions last season.