A Wrike Direction in the VHL [2/2]

[Savoire Faire 32]

With Slovakian blood flowing through his veins, an 8-year-old tightens his skates with the help of his grandfather.  He is visiting the city Zilina, where he often goes when his parents are on the road, to spend time with friends and play some hockey on the Vah.  A river that is as rough in the summer months, as the play of "pond" hockey in winter months, provides an outlet for many adults and children.  For the young Wrike Chyrnoble... it is his life.

 

While some have these unlikely stories of rags to riches, Wrike was fortunate in his upbringing.  A son of two very hard working business owners, he always was fortunate to have whatever opportunity we wanted to be available.  Albeit, throughout his upbringing it was his father, Vlidir, that established that while there is opportunity, there must be equal to or greater effort put forth in the following actions.  A man of great stature himself, Vlidir came from that very rags to riches mentality growing up on his family's farm.  It wasn't until his 30's that he purchased a textile mill in the city of Cadca that he found a niche for growth and an opportunity to meet his wife Daka, the daughter of a business lawyer that represented Vlidir.  Daka, known for a much more serious demeanor found comfort in the presence of Vlidir and appreciated his effort to want to provide for a family... and they eventually married.

 

At the age of 3, Wrike was skating on a regular basis and often refused to leave whatever surface of ice he could be found on.  Joining the local youth program, he joined the mites program simply by his size and ability as team officials looked passed his age. 

 

"It isn't fate... Wrike entering the VHL wasn't any form of luck.  I coached him from when he was 3 years old until high school.  He is a one of a kind player that will set records and win championships on multiple occasions.  The due diligence he puts towards learning this game is unparalleled and is very unique.  Some question whether he knows anything other than hockey, but I can reassure you he is one of the most intellectual players I have ever had the pleasure of coaching." Petr Storkolov digested to the press after a recent game for the Slovakian U16 National Team.

 

Prior to entering high school, Wrike spoke to his coach about the teams direction.  A forward at heart, he was convinced to strap on goaltending pads for a spring session as they were short on goaltenders for an upcoming youth session.  At this point, history would change.  How does a player go from averaging 3.54 points per game to allowing 1.19 goals per game?! How does a force like Wrike Chyrnoble go from being one of the most feared fore-checkers to one of the most hyped goaltenders over a matter of months?

 

"We aren't surprised.  We never are.  Wrike is just that... He is unique.  He gives fans highlights that leave them wanting another, but instead he flipped the entire script on them.  Instead of the massive, bruising forward... opposing teams now see this even bigger figure staring them down between the pipes." Vlid added without hesitation.

 

In his first season playing with his local team, Wrike would post a .981 save percentage, 14 shutouts and account for 47 wins.  Many would push the giant to head overseas to play in a Juniors program and get familiarized with North American surroundings, including his parents... But he wouldn't budge and there was no forcing him.

 

"Even us as teammates were pushing him to go live his dream.  He had the size... he had the potential... but he simply wanted to stay close to family.  At 14 we are talking about a kid who would go stand in for a couple of local amateur teams.  Players that had once played professional and had come back to simply wind down.  He was more than ready... basically he would come in with a new reason each month not to go.  He knew he was ready, but Wrike never did anything on anyone else's schedule.  It was always on his own." Rechars Docilov directly put it, a former line mate of Wrike's.

 

 

With the 6'4" and 220 pound frame accepting an invite to the national camp a year ago, the world was going to be able to finally meet and see first-hand the hype many from Europe have been crazing over for nearly three years. He didn't disappoint... even when it came to tryouts.  Out of the gate, he made the hard saves look simple and the routine saves looked like he was sleeping... and then came an exhibition with Germany.  A 53-save performance that not only sufficed as a coming out party, but solidified a legend in the making kind of status.  On multiple occasions showing fans and countrymen that his stature wasn't one of his only tools.  Stopping a point blank shot with a smooth shift of his glove hand on many occasions... it left more wondering what more could he actually do. 

 

Then came the World Junior Championships... many knew it was going to be a battle with Russia, but what many couldn't predict was the raw emotion on site.  Fans going wild and both offensive juggernaughts ready, Russia would score 11-seconds into the game.  Definitely rattled, Chyrnoble quickly regained composure and made a follow up save just a minute later.  Mid way through the game, he would absolutely rob a backdoor one-timer, reminiscent of many Jaroslav Halak's saves in the NHL.  Slovakia would go on to win 2-1 and the gold in what many considered an upset victory as the Wrike threw his team onto his shoulders and carried them to victory after another 35 saves.

 

Now we turn to the VHL... A future awaits.  Greatness will only be determined by the hard work and dedication he puts in on a regular basis... Is he up for the challenge?  We think so.

 

[leafssteen 50]

Review: Great bio, over 1000 words and well written. Some color or titles might be a good addition next time. Also your photo was out of place. Overall you did a great job and it was a interesting bio. Best of luck with your VHL career!