A Busy Offseason

[der meister 3,188]

Despite the shortcomings of the D.C. Dragons in Season 95, there is no offseason for winger Konstyantyn Shevchenko. Fresh off an altogether average rookie season, the hulking 6'8" Ukrainian hit the gym, with a clear focus on speed and agility. In the past few weeks alone there has been a noticeable improvement in his overall foot speed, to the point where it can no longer truly be considered a weakness in his game. Skating is still not his top strength, nor will it likely ever be, as he has elite puck handling skills and a nose for the net, but Shevchenko's development in this area demonstrates a skill that often goes overlooked: dedication.

 

"I have never been a fast skater," Shevchenko said in a recent radio interview. "In the VHLM, I was fast enough to get away with it and put up a lot of points. It feels good to help your team like that. But this past year with the Dragons, I learned I was not quick enough, and that cost me goals, which hurts the team. I know I need to be better."

 

That said, it hasn't been all work for the youngster. A week after the regular season wrapped up, Shevchenko went back to his adopted home of Vienna, Austria. "I've sent my parents some money for their organization," he added in the same interview. "They've been able to build an outreach program for anyone left in Ukraine who is still trying to get out, and they've helped those who have fled be able to find jobs in Austria. The money is important, of course, but I wanted to help out on a more personal level, and I wanted to give my parents an opportunity to take a break."

 

Indeed, shortly after he arrived, Shevchenko presented his parents with a pair of tickets for a flight to Faro, Portugal, and hotel reservations at Auramar Beach Resort in Algarve. "They have worked tirelessly for our people, and have built a good support staff in their organization," Shevchenko explained. "Taking a week away to go to a beach and enjoy each other's company is really important, and I don't want them to get burned out by their work." After shuttling them off to the airport, Shevchenko returned to their offices and asked senior staff what he could do to help out. "In the past, I probably would have taken more time to walk around Vienna and enjoy the city that took me in, but I'm a tall guy and have gotten a little famous," he finished, punctuating the statement with a laugh. "It's hard to get out and about when so many people recognize you and can pick you out in a crowd with no effort. So I spent most of my time working for the nonprofit, doing what I can to help save lives."

 

A place of respite for Konstyantyn's parents

 

 

Even so, Shevchenko spent some time at the rink of his former team, the Vienna Capitals. Reportedly, he worked out with the team and took part in some on-ice drills, and was welcomed back with open arms. With weeks to go before the VHL preseason starts up, Shevchenko's growth on and off the ice never seems to stop, and that's good news for fans of the Dragons.