Bernov: Russian Hockey

[Viper 530]

Evgeny Bernov: Russian Sniper

 

At the age of 15, Bernov played in a Junior Hockey League in Russia, located in the Moscow area.

 

He would record 12 goals and 6 assists in 68 games played. His coach had been disappointed in Bernov for not producing like he promised he would. Evgeny originally stated he would put up 30 goals and 25 assists in 68 games, but failed to do so. However, this wouldn't hurt him going into the KHL...

 

Evgeny Bernov was approached by CSKA Moscow, his hometown team. They were already near the Junior league he had been playing in and really liked his potential, so they offered him a roster spot.

 

At age 16, he would impress many of his coaches and teammates with his production. 24 goals and 12 assists in 57 games played. This performance would offer a guaranteed roster spot for 1 more year, and he did not disappoint.

 

17 years old, he puts up 30 goals and 28 assists in 66 games played, earning him the "A" on his sweater. Evgeny was liking the Russian ice, until the incident...

 

At age 18, first game of the regular season against Jokerit, he received a check to the head that would give him a concussion... he didn't play at all the rest of the season.

 

After 3 years of sitting out due to his injury, he was finally given the okay to begin playing (don't worry, he had still been allowed to practice). At age 21, he put up 17 goals and 4 assists in 44 games played. His coaches cut him some slack due to his injury a few years prior.

 

Age 22, he wouldn't return to his former self as he had an abysmal 2 goals and 0 assists in 24 games played. His coaches weren't happy and did not play him during the playoffs, leading to him exiting the KHL.

 

Here lies a 22 year old Evgeny Bernov contemplating his next move. His old childhood friend Sergei had told him to go to North America. They make more money there and it would be a fresh start.

 

Evgeny took his friend's advice and set sail to North America. 2 teams were interested in his skills, so they decided to interview him. The Boston Bruins were all for him until they realized he barely knew any English, and didn't want him on their team. The Vancouver Canucks were 50/50 on him in the first place, and after further examining his size, they decided to let him sign with another team.

 

Problem is, no other teams were interested.

 

He then tried the AHL, the Utica Comets wanted him, but felt he wasn't ready for North American ice. The Hershey Bears offered him a 2 week try out, and they decided to terminate the try-out 4 days in.

 

Then, he took his talents to the ECHL where he would be rejected by every single team there.

 

Finally, he tried the VHLM, and he would be extremely happy to hear that he is draft eligible.

 

 

 

Now, this story has no future as for it is the present. We wish Evgeny the best of luck as he begins his VHLM journey here.