Just Winning!

Artem Anisimov and I at the Rangers camp

My Canadian family

Drafted by the New York Rangers in 2008, 75th overall. Known for his imposing size (currently stands at 6'3", 212 lbs) he is a center/winger that has deceptively good speed and soft hands.

Difficult to write without being asked a specific question. At least I have other blogs to follow. I was born on February 21, 1990 in Khabarovsk. I am the youngest child in the family of four. My brother, Anton, is 24 years old. My parents, Lyudmila and Igor signed me up to play hockey when I was six years old. I still remember my first coach - Sergei Kurmesha.

There is nothing that I love more than hockey. Nothing. If I did not play hockey I would probably still be in sports. May be soccer. In my perfect life I would be playing hockey professionally until I am 40 years old (and I would be wearing my favorite number - 19!)

In that same perfect life I would live in New York City, have a wife and two kids. (That's funny!) But anyway, I love New York, everything about that city.

As for hockey, I like the way another Evgeni plays. Yes, Malkin. Would love to emulate his game. Currently I am playing for Brampton Battalion in the OHL. It's a different style of hockey. Russian style is a little easier for me; I am more used to it I guess. But the games themselves are more fun - more spectators, louder!

I am not really crazy about Brampton. Best restaurant - Applebee's. Only other place to go to is the movie theater. Kinda boring. But I do not regret leaving Russia. No way. I live with a Canadian family. They are extremely nice - came to my game yesterday by the way, here in Kingston. My mom came over; she is staying with them currently. She has been there for two days, but already likes the family. They do not have kids; focused on their careers when they were younger. They love hockey like all Canadians. But they are normal fans; I've seen crazies!

My English is getting better some days, and worse others. When I came over, I knew some things. Adding slowly. I do not have classes; just dictionary and conversations. I don't have any Russians on the team. I am used to it by know. Found common ground with my teammates.

As I already mentioned, currently I am in Kingston, with the Russian Junior National team. We are here for the World Junior Championship, which will take place in Ottawa. Practices are ok. Everything is ok. Difficult? A little more difficult than with Brampton. The team has one goal in mind - winning. I don't want to make predictions yet. As for personal goals for this tournament. I have none. Just winning! Will we be able to beat Canada this time? If we will follow coach's strategy - then yes. I am really good friends with Dmitry Kulikov (DrummondvilleVoltigeurs). I am staying in the same room with that idiot! (JUST KIDDING ABOUT THE IDIOT PART!) On the other hand, I am on good terms with everyone on the team.

Off to getting ready for the last exhibition game.