It’s been a whirlwind few months for Byron Froese — the Winkler-born hockey pro just wrapped up his 13th season of professional hockey by winning the Gagarin Cup with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, the top prize in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Russia’s premier pro league.“It was definitely a long year,” said Froese in an interview this week. “But to come out on top, and win it all — it was pretty amazing.”
Froese and his team knocked out some of the KHL’s toughest opponents en route to the title, including a massive comeback against Avangard Omsk. While Froese has spent time with several NHL clubs over the years — including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vegas — this season was his first overseas.
Jumping into the KHL
Froese signed with Lokomotiv ahead of the 2023–24 season. For the 34-year-old veteran, it was a major change — not just in playstyle, but culture, language, and even geography. “It was different,” he said, laughing. “I didn’t really know what to expect going in. I’ve never been to Russia before. And then I had to live there for ten months.”
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Despite the initial adjustment period, Froese said the team and city welcomed him warmly. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl is one of the league’s most historic clubs, and the community is passionate about hockey. “The fans are crazy in Russia. Like, they love it. It reminded me of European soccer at times — flares going off in the stands, chants the whole game.”
A grueling playoff run
The KHL playoffs are notoriously physical and intense, and this year’s run was no exception. Froese played in all four rounds, helping Lokomotiv survive marathon matchups and high-pressure games. “We had a couple long series,” he said. “Lots of travel. I think we logged more miles than some NHL teams do in the playoffs.”
In the final, Lokomotiv went up against powerful contenders from the Eastern Conference. Froese noted that the defensive style of play in the KHL creates tight, low-scoring affairs where every mistake matters. “The structure there is really good,” he explained. “Every team is committed defensively. It’s not as open as North America. So, you really have to earn your goals.”
The cup celebration and a short summer
With the Gagarin Cup finally in hand, Froese had just a short window to celebrate before returning to Manitoba. “I was home for about ten days,” he said. “We had a little celebration back in Yaroslavl with the fans and then I flew back. I’ve got a place out in Kelowna too, so I’m just kind of splitting time.”
As for how the championship stacks up compared to his past achievements, Froese says it’s right near the top. “It’s the best feeling. I never got to win a Stanley Cup — came close with Tampa one year — but this is right up there. Any time you win a league, especially one that tough, it’s special.”
What’s next?
Froese recently signed another one-year deal with Lokomotiv and says he’s planning to return for another season. “I’ve still got another year on the contract, and I’m looking forward to going back,” he said. “It’s a great organization. And now that I’ve got a year under my belt, I know what to expect.”
Asked whether he thinks he’ll stay in Russia long-term or return to North America eventually, Froese was reflective. “You never know. I’ve been on one-year deals for the last few years, kind of bouncing around. So to have a bit of stability this late in my career is nice.”
A Winkler kid still living the dream
Despite the passport stamps and global journey, Froese says Winkler is still home. “I’m from Winkler. My family’s still there,” he said. “It’s always nice to come home, even if it’s just for a little bit.”
And while the road has taken him far — from the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League to the NHL, and now across the globe — Froese is still just grateful for every day he gets to lace up the skates. “At the end of the day, I’m just a kid from Winkler who got to live his dream.”