Claimed:Storm Draft Nezhmetdinov [Final 6/6]

[Alucard 46]

Oslo Storm Draft Evgeny Nezhmetdinov 15th Overall

Evgeny Nezhmetdinov will look to impress in S44 with the Oslo Storm

 

Kazakh winger Evgeny Nezhmetdinov is celebrating today, having been drafted 15th overall in the VHLM Dispersal Draft by the Oslo Storm. Nezhmetdinov played ten games for the Ottawa Lynx during the S43 play-offs, but with limited ice time was unable to make much of an impact as the Lynx lost out to the Brampton Blades in the North American semi-finals. Walking straight into play-off hockey constituted something of a baptism of fire for the youngster, however, and Storm fans will be hoping that he can contribute more to their team over the course of the S44 regular season.

 

In a post-draft interview, Nezhmetdinov claimed to be excited at the prospect of honing his skills on the Oslo ice, and to be playing in Europe. When asked about the step up from playing minor hockey in Kazakhstan, the youngster was candid in his response.

 

"I know is hard league," he said. "I am not big player, not very strong, so I must train to be the best. I need to be more strong (sic), and to keep the puck."

 

Strength is often an issue with European players coming into the VHL and the VHLM; many European leagues are based more around technical ability than physicality, and a cursory glance at Nezhmetdinov would be enough to suggest that he could benefit from working on his physique. His slightness brings its advantages as well, however; he is a quick and elusive player, capable of moments of brilliance, and is dangerous enough to hurt any team who chooses to ignore him. He comes to the VHLM with a reputation for being an excellent puck-handler, something he puts down to many hours of practise.

 

"At home I practise every day, just playing with the puck. I think is important to have control, and I like also to make tricks. I see players like Datsyuk, Jagr, Bure... these guys can do anything with the puck, and I think 'I want this too.'"

 

A keen learner, and a graduate in Linguistics, Nezhmetdinov is already fluent in three languages (Kazakh, Russian, and Tatar), and easily has enough of a grasp of English to communicate and hold a conversation. Will he be learning Norwegian during his time in Oslo?

 

"Of course. I think there are many people speaking English in Oslo, so is not necessary, but I want to learn. I like languages."

 

It remains to be seen whether or not the diminutive Kazakh will be a success in the VHLM, but for the time being one can forgive fans of the Storm for being quietly optimistic about the player's future, especially given the existence of this clip of 'Kiyar' cheekily chipping the goaltender on a penalty shot in the Kazakh Junior League.

[Tylar 219]

Content: 3/3 - congrats on getting drafted! It looks like you could be a great player in the VHLM and VHL. Good luck!

Grammar: 2/2 - Good
however, and Storm fans = however Storm fans

Appearance: 1/1 - Fine - Looks like your picture did not work but that's ok. (Weird, it worked after i edited the title. lol)

Overall: 6/6

Edited June 29, 2015 by Tylar

[Kendrick 4,741]

Claimed