Kovalev DVD to benefit needy kids

I just bought this today at Future Shop downtown for $12.99 I haven't perused the entire contents of both DVDs but here's my quickie first impression: I only saw the version with the French packaging in the store (are English versions being sold in Quebec?). Thus the packaging is all in French which along with the DVDs includes a Kovy hockey card ("VIP card") with a code on the back of it to access exclusive content on his official website. The second item of note included is a large poster of Kovalev and on the backside of it are pictures and descriptions of the exercises that he demonstrates on the first DVD. The DVD itself includes both French and English versions. The French version (at least for the 1st DVD) simply has French dubbed over what Kovy and his trainer say in English. I haven't verified it yet but I figure the second DVD would do the same. The first DVD contains two sections, on ice exercises and off ice exercises. The videos are short and sweet and sometimes feature multiple viewing angles. The on ice exercises covers skating, shooting and game situations (I forget the fourth item, probably passing). The off ice exercises consist of band exercises (or as I like to call them rubber tubes) with and without a bench and movement exercises. The main feature of the second DVD is the Mr. Kovy documentary. I watched a bit of it, seemed quite interesting. There are some other items on the DVD that I didn't explore yet. I was both surprised and pleased that the off ice exercises he showed used the band/rubber tubes because it's a very cheap exercise accessory (approx. $25) that anybody can buy and use. The only real downside about this DVD is that it does not seem to feature any subtitles (at least for disc 1, didn't check on disc 2). So if you're deaf or hard of hearing...you'll have to read lips while watching exercises. Overall, it's a solid and worthy product. I'll footnote this with a hypothetical question...if Kovy had released this last year during his not so great season, would you have been as eager to purchase the DVD or would you have bought it anyway because it's for charity?

It is a great DVD, a great buy for ny Kovy fans and if you want to learn how hockey is played...

I think there is something else.. Did anyone notice when Plecks was getting roughed up that Kovy was in like a shot, and gave a couple of shots of his own.. He is taking these kids and not only teaching them but protecting them a lot too.. I am 72 years old and I am going to buy the vid. just to see what he does.. I don't think I will be picked up by any team tho, even if I train hard LOL..

I don't know if this thing was selling like hot cakes or if HMV didn't stock enough, By noon today, HMV downtown Montreal was out of stock. To their credit they said they'd be getting more tomorrow. Here's hoping that it's selling like hot cakes.

Kovalev is apparently highly sensitive. I think Carbonneau or maybe it was the media or both had hurt his feelings last year by critizing him and questioning his heart and dedication. Not that I agree with Kovalev, but I believe he somehow felt betrayed by the team he willingly signed with. Us fans should be a little thankful that a player of his caliber chose to sign with the Habs considering that it's so difficult for Gainey to land such a player these days.

KOVY 06-07 vs KOVY 07-08 with the benefit of hindsight which we all now have, we can reflect clearly on last year as an adjustment season, a transition season, more so than this year by a country mile. The coaching and the players were in a constant state of flux...Carbs new system, lack of communication, problem child Samsonov, Sourays uncertainty, very few rookies able to crack the lineup..etc... so no wonder Kovalev, a season'd veteran who had been in rock solid organizations (pens/Rangers) felt compelled to speak, or put his foot in his mouth as is usually the end result of a 'player' speaking with a voice of dissent. That is never a benefit to a team short term. So not wanting to work that extra and voicing negative criticisms really framed a bad picture for Kovalev last year. BUT...that didn't change the fact that he had talent, the gift, the golden crown. THAT IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE. ...DIMINISHING TALENT vs DIMINISHING WORK ETHIC..one can be fixed, the other clearly signals the end of a career. we saw in KOVY last year only a DIMINISHING WORK ETHIC...it was restored, and now we see the result. so not to criticize POSTERS here for bashing KOVY last year... just remember that to every problem in sports there are usually 2 variables: MENTAL PHYSICAL both can be 'repaired'...just that one is more easily done (with a GAINEY at the helm) then the other. here are some examples league wide: EMERY = MENTAL - Can be repaired BREEZE = PHYSICAL - Cannot be repaired COLIACOVO = PHYSICAL - Cannot be repaired PRONGER = MENTAL - Cannot be repaired SAMSONOV = MENTAL - Can be repaired etc. --------- 1. WE ARE DEAD MEAT WITHOUT OUR OWN POLICING 1. Feb 19, 2008 - History was made. 2. Thank GOD we have Alex Kovalev.....at his PRIME 3. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans 4. We will win the CUP 5. Your not a true Hab Fan until you watch and understand the ROCKET 6. Your not a true Hab Fan until you watch and understand the KOVY DVD

It shows a lot of character to donate 100% of the profits to charity. I certainly underestimated Kovalev as far as heart is concerned(no pun intended) whether it's on or off the ice. I'm impressed by his philanthropy and love for the game. I don't believe he's the same player as in past years -even one year ago. Something's different about him. He's changed for the better in many ways.

from a Hockey Perspective...this is the greatest DVD created since the movie THE ROCKET. --------- 1. WE ARE DEAD MEAT WITHOUT OUR OWN POLICING 1. Feb 19, 2008 - History was made. 2. Thank GOD we have Alex Kovalev.....at his PRIME 3. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans 4. We will win the CUP

I am going to buying this for sure!!! Full props for Kovy, taking the time to put this all together and donate everything to kids. Class act!

Everyone remember that great piece that was run here in the summer when Kovy flew his own plane to northern Quebec to meet with the mayor ( a fan) and then proceeded to run the mayors harley into a building? Funny harley hijinks aside, even after his lacklustre last season, he was in the province, in the summer, on his own time, visiting fans. That "incident" illustrated this mans character and things like making a DVD and giving all the proceeds to charity just continue to amaze me. What a solid guy. Thanks Alex for everything you have brought to this team on and off the ice. For all your charity work and for taking all the young kids on the team under your wing. We wouldn't be where we are this year without your dedication and commitment. Go habs go! Velavok

Way to go Alex. I believe he has had the corporate box for underpriveleged children for awhile now, but the dvd is new. Somehow, it is Kovalev's on-ice contribution that magnifies what he does off the ice. Take any of the press box gang...you may here about some great charitable act they are involved in, and many of them are involved, in one way or another. You walk away thinking he must be a great guy to do something like that. But when it is a player who makes the on-ice contribution that Kovalev makes, one feels a sense of gratitude even more because there is the contribution on and off the ice. It is very endearing.

purchased

Oh yeah, and although my previous comment could be interpreted as negative, it is not, I think Kovy is having a great year and I respect the fact he is giving 100% effort every night. The fact that he is giving the profit from his video to sick underprivileged children is very admirable, another reason to cheer for AK27 every time he touches the puck! Cheers The Big_Daddy

What came first, the chicken or the egg? Are the youngsters having a great year because Kovalev is "showing them the way" or is Kovalev having a great year because the youngsters are forcing him to pick up his game a notch. Don't get me wrong, I love the Kovelevinator, but I wonder with all the attention that he is getting this year did anyone think to give the kids some credit for put the "super" back in superstar Alex Kovalev? The big_daddy

I always thought that he was a great guy. He's done a lot for kids over the years. But would everyone be as happy if he was having a crappy year like last year... I know I sound negative but it is true. This story would have probably been a small article in the back of the sport pages...

Will I be able to purchase the video in an actual store or is it only available online?

Talk about a leader right there. Hell of a player, even better guy. Cheers, Alex

A true warrior in every sense of the word.

Wow. Ex nihilo nihil fit

When I'm right I'm right and when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. Last year I was one of those who wanted to ship this guy out. What a great leader he's proven to be.... and a great example on and off the ice for our young Habs. Kovalev, we hardly knew ya... glad you're still around buddy! ________________________________________________________________ Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!