Knyzhov adjusting to life in WHL
Russian teen gets used to faster play
The Regina Pats are working hard to get rookie Nikolai Knyzhov up to speed.
The Russian defenceman arrived in Regina last month with a head start on most import players because he had already eliminated the language barrier during two previous seasons in Phoenix.
As a result, his initial move to Regina was relatively smooth from an off-ice perspective.
“It’s going great so far — great coaches, great teammates, good city,” said Knyzhov, 17. “I have good billets. I really like it here.”
The biggest adjustment has been on the ice, where Knyzhov quickly discovered that the WHL is a huge step up from the U.S. midget AAA ranks.
“It’s obviously different compared to hockey in Phoenix,” said Knyzhov, the 36th player selected in the 2015 CHL import draft. “Everything is different. All the systems (are new). The guys are older and faster. It’s way faster. I think that’s the biggest difference. You have to try to keep the same pace.”
Knyzhov is still playing catch-up in that regard.
Much like the rest of the team, he struggled at times during a pair of pre-season games on the weekend against the Brandon Wheat Kings.
“The speed and the pace of the game exposed Nik a little bit,” explained Pats assistant coach/assistant GM Dave Struch. “You do see signs of the player we drafted. He’s a good shooter, he’s a good puck mover. But when you have a team like Brandon coming at you as hard as they do, those are things we’re going to have to show some video on and help him improve his game.”
Knyzhov was eager to learn when he made the move from Russia two years ago.
Now he’s getting a crash course with the Pats, who recognize the need to be patient. Knyzhov does too.
“It’s the toughest transition (he has faced) because most of the guys are older,” said the 6-foot-2, 188-pounder, who’s also adjusting to the physicality of the WHL brand.
“The first couple games were tough. I still have to improve and get faster and make decisions quicker but it’s going good so far. I learn every shift on the ice. I just think I need more time. I’m going to improve every game. I’ll catch up and I’ll be good.”
Knyzhov’s evolution isn’t unlike many of the Pats’ youngsters. With a lineup full of inexperienced players, the team remains a work in progress.
“There are growing pains with everybody,” said Struch. “That’s something we expected coming into the year (with a young lineup). There are going to be some tough times and there are going to be some good times. That’s all part of getting where you need to be when you want to be a championship team.”
The Pats believe Knyzhov could become a key piece of their long-term puzzle as a puck-moving defenceman with special teams upside.
At this point, he’s continuing to hone those skills while also working to catch up from a mental standpoint. If both elements come together, the game should eventually start slowing down.
“You have to improve every practice, every game,” added Knyzhov, who has one assist and a minus-four rating in three pre-season games.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back and learn from the older guys and see how they play and what they do. I just have to try to keep up with them, do what they do and listen to the coaches. I think it’ll be good.”
The Pats are slated to continue their exhibition schedule on Wednesday (7 p.m., Brandt Centre) against the Prince Albert Raiders.