KaleebtheMighty

CENTER ICE SPORTS MEDIA with a one on one interview with Victor Grachev, 06/29/2020 @ 15:13 Orson Brouwer: Good afternoon! Spencer Brouwer here with Center Ice Sports Media, and I'm here with Victor Grachev who has been slowly climbing the ranks of the Pre Draft rankings for the next season of the VHL with plenty of teams taking notice. But what is especially enticing is the possibility of being selected by one of the newest expansion teams to the VHL. Victor, when you came to the league, I presume you had dreams about playing for Moscow when you grew older. Looking at mock drafts, it may look like you will be headed somewhere else. Comments? Victor Grachev: You know, as much as I want to play for Moscow, I just want to play. I go where my draft team needs me. If I play New York, I play. If I play London, I play. O: Right, you could have the unique chance of being a relatively new player to that franchise, give people a new player to root for. V: When put that way, it is nice! Victor want to play hockey, and doesn't matter what team it is. O: Another reality that a lot of new players face in the league is the idea of being traded. I know when you played in St. Petersburg, you tried out, signed with the club, and played two solid seasons there. Do you think about what it would be like to be traded at all in the future as a hockey player? V: I do think about this sometime, and it is important to remember this is business. Must be professional about it and go where I am traded, even if I love team I already play for. O: Already with a professional mindset! Is that something you figured out on your own, or... V: My father, he taught me how to behave and act. He was great to me as father and mentor. O: I see, and I am absolutely sure he is proud of the player you are today. Victor before you head out to the ice to get ready for tonight's game, the story is that you have a fan group called The Pucking Russians who are now trending after a viral video of last night's game and the interview you gave in the locker room describing them. Any further comments on them? V: Great group of friends, always good to have guys cheering me on at games. O: You think they want you to end up somewhere specific in the upcoming draft? V: Anywhere with vodka. Moscow could be nice, but we make anywhere fun. Thank you Orson. O: Thanks Victor, good luck tonight. V: Thanks, go Reapers.

"Ублюдок, это была поездка!" a fan cried out in the 2nd period of the Philadelphia Reapers recent 2-1 win over the Mississauga Hounds. A few other fans nearby turned their heads to the call out in Russian, some in disgust and others with confusion. Russians were not commonplace in Philadelphia, especially in the stands of a VHLM game. But one thing drew them here. "GRACHEV! GRACHEV!" They cried out after seeing the Reaper defenseman connect with a solid hit on a Hounds forward. When asked who they were, hardly any of them gave a response. Mostly laughs, other Russian phrases until finally their name was called out in unison by the group. They call themselves The Pucking Russians. None of them stayed around for any sort of interview after the game. In fact, most disappeared fairly quickly when the final horn called out the end of the 3rd period, seemingly headed for bars in the surrounding area. Any sort of clarification of the group could only be described by the Reapers defenseman himself, Victor Grachev. "My guys! They support me as I come here to play!" Grachev said with a large grin after the game in the locker room. "Best buds around, make Philly home away from home. Sorry, were they loud?" The Pucking Russians hail from Grachev's hometown of Cherepovets, Vologda Blast, Russia. Some hail as childhood teammates, others as friends according to Grachev. The group grew up together playing both competitive and recreational hockey in the surrounding region. Although Grachev is the only one who has made the jump over to the VHLM to play, he swears he isn't the best of the bunch. "Honor belongs to Aleksandr. Very good with puck, very scary hitter. But lot of.....drunk," Grachev laughed. "Take away bottle, well he kill you, but he would play very good. Very good." When asked if any others from his area would think about making the jump from Russia to the big leagues of the VHL, Victor stated that many considered it, but it would depend on how much he himself makes in terms of money. Why? "They need a LOT of drinking, you know how much vodka Aleksandr has? Scary amounts, I don't know how he stand sometimes," Victor said with a cheeky smile. It might help Grachev to have some hometown support during the playoffs. Although the Reapers are winning their series 3 games to 1, Victor has one of the team's worst +/- ratings at -3 in the first 4 games. It could be nerves for the russian prospect, being that this is his first playoff run in his first season with the VHLM. The coaches of the Philadelphia Repears seem to grasp that fact, limiting Victor's ice time in the playoffs to around 14:08 compared to his regular season cap at around 18 minutes. Whatever the case, Grachev does have a small but loyal group of fans cheering him on every step of the way. If the Reapers do win this series, it might surprise nobody if The Pucking Russians try to grab Grachev after the game for some hometown celebrations in Philly.

For the youth hockey players of Philadelphia, every day spent playing is a great day. But it's an even better day when they get the opportunity to meet a Philadelphia Reapers hockey player. Victor Grachev spent the morning at Rizzo Ice Rink signing autographs, jerseys, and whatever else kids and adults alike brought with them. It was a fairly decent turn out of fans for the Russian Prospect set to be drafted potentially in the second round of the upcoming VHL draft. He spent every minute of that morning with a smile on his face, and the kids were overjoyed. "I remember being kid once," Victor said. "Hockey is fun, and I bring joy when kids see hometown player here at rink." Even after handling a long line of eager fans, Victor was even more eager to lace up the skates and step out onto the ice to skate with the youth hockey players. "I don't know if he sees it, but he's making these kids' days," the Mites youth hockey coach stated as he watched Victor skate around. "Some of these kids will remember it for a long time, especially having the ability to actually skate with him." Even with kids falling all over him and clinging to his legs, Victor was all smiles as he swiftly handled the pucks that were thrown his way. Already making his way into the heart of Philly, Victor Grachev looks ready to keep playing at a greater level with playoffs right around the corner.

1). I'm not surprised by this. The Reapers are rolling and look like an amazing team out on the ice. We work hard and will continue to put our best efforts out on the ice until we win the cup. 2). Bob Helminen is always vocal in the locker room and pushes us to win. He's very adamant on winning it all this year, and seeing that fire in practice everyday is really motivating. 3). Well, being that I am Victor, I would like to turn this around and thank the organization for giving me the opportunity to join the team when I did. Everyone here has been really great and I have had a lot of fun being a Philadelphia Reaper! 4). Although I do want to improve my draft stock, the more important thing for me is to win the cup this year with the Reapers. That's my main focus. 5). Some of that chili landed in my skates. I had to spend like an hour trying to rinse it out and get rid of the smell. But definitely a highlight in the locker room this year, what an entrance. 6). I felt that the Reapers were going to be my best chance at learning from talented individuals and bettering myself as a player. I still feel that they are and I continue to improve everyday with this organization.

Hockey is life. Hockey is one of the only lives that matters. That’s what my father, Boris Grachev, told me as a young boy when I first laced up my skates. I did not know what he meant, for are other lives also worth living? But the sound of steel cutting into the ice, the speed, the game....I realized this was the greatest sport in the world. I was born to play it. Born to love it. I started out my hockey career at the age of 3. I found out quickly that I was quite good. Even as I grew older, I presented a challenge to some of the age groups ahead of me. My father also saw my potential. He believed in me. After years of competing, I was sent to train for a team in Moscow. And it was there that I saw my first professional game, and saw the Moscow Menace. The fire that burned within me burned even brighter. That was where I wanted to play. The professional league, the VHL. This was Victor Grachev’s Dream. I skated harder and trained harder than ever before. I wanted more. Eventually, I found myself on a team in St. Petersburg. I played there for two years. The first year, I was decent. Ok point production, ok defense. At the end of the first year, however, that was when my father grew very ill. In the off-season, I moved back to my small hometown to help him. I cooked for him and cared for him when he was bedridden. In July of 2018, my father got worse. I’ll always remember his last words to me. They mean so much coming from my dad. ”Victor, I want you to win. Be great. But know that even if you fail, and don’t make it, I am so proud of you. Of the hockey player and man you’ve become.” When he died, there was a small funeral. But through that entire time, the fire that was in me burned hotter than ever before. I would not be stopped. I would make my dad proud. And that pushed me to have one of the best seasons in St. Petersburg I’ve ever had. And from that came the offer to join the VHLM with the Philadelphia Reapers. Someday I hope to be the best I can be. I may not score the most goals or assists. I may not be the toughest and fiercest player on the ice. But I will make my dad proud. I will make it to the VHL. When I walked into my first home game in Philadelphia, and walked past the multiple kids wearing hockey jerseys extending their arms out for high fives, I saw myself in those kids. The fire burns within me. Victor want to play hockey. Victor want to win.

+ 10 Victor Grachev

1). Of the recent trades, Defenz Mann. An absolute force on the blue line that, as a young gun, I can model my game after and observe him to get better. It's great to learn from someone with such an incredible work ethic that leads the team as the best D-man. 2). I sure was. After I signed with Philly, hearing the blockbuster trades we made was surprising but incredible. It was one of the reasons I signed as a waiver pickup; I wanted to walk into a team determined to win it all. 3). Regarding distance and climate, Mexico City. It's hot, it's incredibly far away, and I'm very out of my element there in that arena. The fans in Mexico City are ruthless, you definitely know you're on the away team there. 4). From my understanding, I think I was that first official waiver signing. I was very impressed with his professionalism and his drive to pursue players to help this team succeed. I am thrilled I signed with the Reapers and do not regret that choice in any way. 5). I don't mind it, I get the arguments for only overtime and including the shootout. It gives a chance for the goalies and players to duel which can be thrilling for the fans. Out of the games I've been a part of, Adam Syreck has been incredible to watch both in practice and during those two shootouts I was on the bench for. 6). I love Kevin Hart. He can really be hilarious and I enjoy seeing his comedy routines and movies!

+4

It did not take long for the news to break. Only 5 hours after it was announced that Russian defenseman Victor Grachev was potentially entering the VHLM as a free agent, his signing with the Philadelphia Reapers was made apparent in hockey news. "Victor want to play hockey. When contacted from club like Philadelphia, you don't say no," Grachev said after stepping off the plane at the Philadelphia International Airport. "It is [my] dream to play hockey in VHL, this is [the] best way to live." Although a Russian native, his hockey career looked destined for the VHLM. He was a prolific defenseman in St. Petersburg, commanding the ice with an average of 28:13 minutes per game. At just 16 years old, he's hopefully stepping into a position on a promising playoff team that could make their run for the cup this year. His 8G, 34A in just 52 games in St. Petersburg was among some of the best in Russia this year. Scouts report that Grachev's key strengths lie in his passing, defensive awareness, and puck handling. Although his weaknesses from the scouting report indicated a need for improvement in his skating and fighting abilities, there doesn't seem to be much concern from the Reapers front office in their quick offer. For the Philly faithful, there's hope that this signing will bring the personnel needed to raise the cup at the end of the year. When asked about the decision to quickly sign instead of waiting for a longer period of time for potential offers from other teams, Grachev merely shrugged. "Philadelpia looks good. They are making playoffs; Victor wants to play in playoffs. They have experience that will help Victor [get] better. Why wait for others when one of [the] best wants Victor? Victor want to play hockey." Armed with a bag of hockey gear and a small backpack, Grachev walked out of the terminal to await his ride, eager to play. The sudden signing and determination from Grachev to play can only mean great things for Philadelphia. Upon asking how he would feel meeting players like Bob Helminen or Spencer Elsby, Grachev could only smile. "Victor want to play hockey and learn from great players. Players like them [can] really help young players new to team," he indicated before flagging down a BMW in the pickup lane. Russian pleasantries were discussed before Grachev entered the vehicle and drove off. Either way, it seems like the Philadelphia Reapers netted themselves some great help on the blue line with signing Victor Grachev. Stepping out of a 4-3-0 run of games over the past few weeks, Grachev could be that extra push for the Reapers to net some more crucial wins at the tail end of the regular season to secure a playoff spot. Will they make a deep playoff run with the new Russian defenseman? Grachev all but guaranteed that the Reapers were making the playoffs when grabbing his bags. Well, at least Victor will get to play hockey. That seems to be the most important thing on his mind.

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Player Information Username: KaleebtheMighty Player Name: Victor Grachev Recruited From: Reddit Age: 16 Position: D Height: 75 in. Weight: 211 lbs. Birthplace: Russia Player Page @VHLM GM