Russian likes Canadian game
Sergei Alkhimov’s communication skills are still a work in progress, but the Regina Pats aren’t concerned about his style of play getting lost in translation.
Despite a significant language barrier, the 17-year-old Russian rookie has fit in quicker than expected due to his fearless style, dedicated work ethic and natural aptitude for the North American game.
“All my career I play like Canadian guy,” explained the 5-foot-11, 213-pound wrecking ball. “I play hard and fast. I like Canadian style. Here it’s my hockey.”
European players occasionally talk a big game about their ability to adapt to the WHL’S hard-nosed brand.
In this case, however, actions speak louder than words.
“He’s probably more physical than most Canadian players right now,” offered Pats head coach Dave Struch. “He goes out and he looks for a clean hit because he wants the puck.”
Alkhimov’s rough-and-tumble style is not commonly associated with players from his part of the hockey world.
In fact, it’s much the opposite. “You look at (Russian) players as being highly skilled,” said Struch. “They always look for high-risk plays. But Sergei is going to become a 200-foot player for us. He’s going to be able to play both sides of the puck because of his ability to understand the majority of what we’re coaching and his receptiveness. He wants to get better. He appreciates the help. And obviously the bonus for us is the work ethic and the physicality.”
As for his ability to communicate, Alkhimov is slightly ahead of the game because he spent last season at the Colorado Evolution Elite Hockey Academy. One of his teammates was Pats defenceman Nikita Sedov, who speaks fluent English and occasionally serves as a translator.
“I try to help him,” noted Sedov. “Sometimes he knows that I can speak for him instead of him saying something. Sometimes I don’t say anything. I push him to say something so his brain will work.”
The Pats were optimistic that Alkhimov’s game would translate to the WHL when they selected him in the opening round (47th overall) of this summer’s CHL import draft. The WHL club received first-hand reports from their Colorado-based scout, ex-pat Rhett Gordon, who described him to GM John Paddock as a “bull in a china shop.”
That portrayal was confirmed when the Pats watched Alkhimov and Sedov play for the Russian under-18 team this summer at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Alberta.
“What we saw was the hardestworking player on the ice,” Struch said of Alkhimov. “He wasn’t put in a lot of offensive situations with the Russian team. (He was a) penalty killer, big faceoff guy, very reliable, hard on the body, hard on the puck.
“Over the course of our time here in practice, we saw a different level of skill but still the work ethic. The hockey IQ is all there, but the way he handles the puck was a very pleasant surprise.”
Alkhimov dressed for all six of Regina’s games in the exhibition season, recording two goals and one assist. He notched a highlightreel marker in his WHL debut and hopes there is more to come when the regular season begins on Friday against the host Prince Albert Raiders.
“I will try,” he said with a smile. “I want to score. It’s my job.”
If he does it well, more opportunities could await.
“I want to play in the NHL but I know it’s very hard,” said Alkhimov, who believes the move to Regina will help him achieve that goal. “Pats are very good club and organization. I have all I need here. It’s very big experience for me. It’s new country, new people. Regina, it’s nice. Nice billets. Nice team. No problem. My English no good but I try.”
That’s all the Pats can ask.
“His attitude is fantastic,” added Struch. “When he doesn’t understand he lets us know, but he’s still the hardest-working player on the ice daily. If you look at past years, our team identity has been speed and skill. But I think when you look at Sergei, he’s going to portray our team identity right now.”