Today, Semyon Varlamov started his own blog in the Russian language. It’s based off of LifeJournal technology and is a part of the blogging network in one of the biggest Russian sports sites – Championat.ru. Varly’s blog is entitled “The Last Stronghold of Capitalists.” Take a look here.

Below the fold is the English translation of his first post:

Hi everybody!

Today I, Semyon Varlamov, open my blog on “Championat.ru”. Living in another country, it’s very difficult to keep a connection with our hockey fans. So, please come here and comment. I’ll be very happy to answer you back.

In my first entry I want to tell you how I am doing this summer. After the World Championships (honestly, I was very disappointed with silver) I was in Spain with some friends for a week, then I had a little vacation in Turkey. Sea, sand, sun… and yeah, I didn’t forget to come home. In America I missed my friends and family a lot. So, when I have an opportunity, I try to come over, meet everyone, and get filled with positive emotions.

At the beginning of July I started my independent training, went to the gym, & ran on the hippodrome (when there were no horses, for sure). We have a great hippodrome in our city, I recommend it to all of my fellow-townsmen.

When August started, I flew back to Washington. I’m training here now, and continue to get ready for the season. It’ll be pretty difficult one for sure. The Capitals are planning to place their bet on young goalies. And who will become the starting goalie depends on how me and Michal Neuvirth show ourselves. Maybe, we’ll start off playing in a rotation and then we’ll see… I’ll do my best to become the starter!

I recently leased an apartment in Washington. It is a 10 minute walk from our training facility, so now it is time to decorate. My mom is helping me, and she flew over to help me adjust with my new life and help give moral support. I have an Internet connection, so I’ll be around often. Please write to me.