Bogatyrev’s Draft Stock Rising After Solid Start

[Bojovnik 487]

 

COLOGNE (Germany), September 18, 2022 (EUHockey) - We may be less than a quarter of the way through the S85 regular season, but there are already many teams looking ahead to the S86 VHL Entry Draft for their next chance to acquire a true gamebreaker.

 

A quick look at the current S85 VHL standings show that the Toronto Legion, Riga Reign, New York Americans, Prague Phantoms, and Helsinki Titans are all in the race to finish the season with the first overall pick in their grasp.

 

Many early scouting reports predict that Bratislava Watchmen centre The Frenchman is the consensus #1 pick in the upcoming draft. However, questions over how the draft order will shape up once The Frenchman is off the board remains a mystery.

 

Some are looking at Yaroslav Bogatyrev, the only other S86-eligible player currently playing in the VHLE, to go second in the draft. The big-bodied Russian winger has impressed so far in his debut season with the Cologne Express, showing strong defensive prowess while also adding timely contributions for the German club, who currently sit third in the VHLE table.

 

Other than Bogatyrev, scouts have also been impressed with the performances of brothers Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes, both of whom are currently plying their trade in the VHLM as members of the Miami Marauders.

 

Earlier this week, we caught up with Yaroslav Bogatyrev, fresh off Cologne’s surprise pair of victories over early-season leaders Oslo Storm, to get his thoughts on how his season was going and where he sees himself going in the upcoming S86 Entry Draft.

 

Q: Yaroslav, thanks for joining us. Firstly, how are you finding things in Cologne? 

 

YB: Thanks for having me. It’s been an interesting start that’s for sure in Cologne. I think we got off to a bad start, which I guess can happen. We knew that we had strong players on this team, but it took us a while to find chemistry and for the coaching staff to work out our lines. However, since then, I think it’s fair to say we’ve been on a roll. We’ve picked up some amazing wins against the likes of Bratislava and Oslo, and there’s a lot of confidence in the camp going forward.

 

Q: You are only one of two S86-eligible players currently playing in the VHLE. Has it been a challenge for you, and would you recommend that other players make the decision to forego their second season of VHLM eligibility.

 

YB: I was lucky that I was in a position where teams in the VHLE wanted me on their team. It has certainly been a tough period of adjustment, having gone from only playing hockey in Russia, to having half a season in the United States, and then moving on again to a new league, with a new style of play. The VHLE is a tougher league than the VHLM. The players are better and more experienced. I’ve focused incredibly on the defensive side of my game. The offense will come when it comes, but the VHLE is good because it forces you to learn all aspects of the game. In the end, I think this will make me a better professional and is setting me up for greater success once I get to the VHL.

 

Q: Speaking of the VHL, many of the scouting agencies are putting you as either the second or third best skater in the draft. Do you feel that there is a lot of pressure that comes with these expectations, and have you had contacts with any of the teams that could be drafting you.

 

YB: I’ll start with the latter of those questions. So far I’ve had no contact with any VHL teams. I think it’s far too early in the season for those conversations to take place. I’m just trying to focus on my game and on my season with Cologne now.

 

With regards to the pressure - sure. I place high expectations on myself. My family places high expectations on me, and so do the fans in Cologne. That comes with being a professional player wanting to make it at the highest level, so you have to get used to it.

 

Q: Is there anywhere in the VHL that you would like to play?

 

YB: I’ve always said that if I’m able to play at home, or near home, I’ll be happiest. It was super tough for my family to follow my games while I was in the VHLM  due to the time differences and the issue with getting visas. So if you ask me straight, going to a team like Moscow would be the best for me, but knowing how good they will be this season, it’s highly unlikely that will happen. 

 

I’m not going to come out and say that I want to go to one specific team. It’s an honour to be drafted by any team in the VHL, and I will make whatever contribution I can to that team in order for it to have success. Saying that, I have my preferences, and my agent will be able to give me all the advice I need so that I can make the best decision for me and my family.

 

Q: What do you think that VHL teams will be getting by drafting Yaroslav Bogatyrev?

 

YB: You want me to write my own scouting report? I mean, I can leave that to the scouts to write about me as a player, and what I can contribute. All I can say is that I’m committed to winning, and I’m committed to building successful teams by playing whatever role I can. Sure, I was a scorer while I was in Russia, but now in Cologne, I’m playing a more defensive game, because that’s what the team needs, and I’m ready to do that for the team.

I just want to win trophies,  medals, whatever. Nothing beats the feeling of winning, and I know that from my time in Russia. Nothing else matters unless you are the one with the trophy in your hand or the medal around your neck, and that’s a fact.

 

(A touch over 1000 words, two week claim)
 

[Bojovnik 487]

Second week claim