Lynx Land New Defenseman

[OblivionWalker 246]

 The Ottawa Lynx have shored up their defense with their recent signing of St. Albert, Alberta native Stanislav Kovalenko. Kovalenko, a 6 foot 6 right-handed defenseman who attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks is more than ready to make a name for himself in the VHL and hit the ground running.

 

"I can't wait to get started." the player said during a phone interview conducted with him mere hours ago. "I was hoping to join the Lynx so I would be able to play with my old Juniors buddy, River Harrington. I'd like to think that we know each other's strengths and weaknesses and we'll be able to be a solid d pair for our team."

 

Certainly, having a d core who have already played together won't hurt the Lynx's chances of moving up the leaderboard. Of course, only time will tell and Kovalenko was pragmatic about it when asked.

 

"I'm going to have to prove myself worthy of my contract, but I've always been a hard worker and I take whatever feedback I'm given and apply it and keep moving forward. Success isn't given for free and it doesn't come overnight. We're going to have to work together, as a team but I firmly believe the team has what it takes to succeed and I've always been someone who's liked to prove people wrong."

 

When asked what playing with his old Juniors teammate means to him, it was clear that Kovalenko was a tad emotional and needed a moment before he was able to answer.

 

"We had always talked about making it to the league from the time we were kids and when River got signed, of course I was happy for him. Definitely I was wondering if I was going to get my shot and knowing that I'll get to be right beside him for the start of both of our careers is something I could never have expected. I don't want to take a single moment of it for granted. Not everybody is that lucky, you know?"

 

Indeed, there are many who aren't able to make it to the league at all which makes this reunion all the sweeter for Kovalenko.

 

Even though he will be playing his rookie season with the Lynx, Stanislav (who also goes by Slava) isn't neglecting his education. The defenseman surprised us when mentioning that he would be continuing his bachelor's degree online while he plays.

 

"The league isn't forever." Kovalenko laughed when asked why he would be committing to something like that during his first season in the VHL. "Accidents and injuries happen and I just want to be prepared for whatever comes my way. It's also important to my family and they're the last people in the world that I would want to disappoint."

 

Kovalenko is majoring in business, which in his opinion would enable him to also be able to handle his money well and there really isn't any arguing with that.

 

When asked if he had any final message for Lynx fans out there, all Kovalenko had to say was this. "The two headed monster of Kovalenko and Harrington are back in business. Everybody watch out."