Vsevolod Askarov rookie experience

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Askarov rookie in Calgary

Adjusting to a new role

 

Being a rookie is a huge experience for any kid. Joining the big leagues after developing playing kids. Now you play the best of the best in the VHL. This is even worse when it comes to being a goalie, all of a sudden shots are harder, teams are deeper, and players are better. These are not kids around the same age, some of them could be his fathers age. They train, harder and have more experience against the best than the kids he is used to suiting up against.

 

If it is not bad enough being a rookie, Askarov is adjusting to a whole new role. After playing all but 4 games over the last 2 seasons in Mississauga, Askarovs rookie season has seen him only start 5 games so far in his young career. In fact he will start so few games, he will continue to be an official rookie next season. Being a back up, means not only still needing to work hard, but be prepared to be thrown to the wolves at any time. Training is critical, Askarov missed a week, but for the most part has been the first guy on the ice, and last one off. This way he is best prepared for whenever, and whomever he may face when he gets his next start.

 

In fact if you ask a lot of pros, from all the major hockey leagues. Most goalies say the hardest thing to do is be a back up. Your expected to play less, but when called upon make sure you do the best you can to help the team win. At the time of writing this, Askarov is 4-0-1 collecting 9 out of 10 possible points. He dons a 913sv% and a 2.19GAA with one shut out. He has done everything asked of him to this point. He hopes he can win whatever the rest of his starts are. To keep himself undefeated, in regulation to start his career off with a bang.

 

He likes his teammates in Calgary, Tallinder, Thornton, Lafonfontaine, and others have been very inviting. Despite it being unclear just what his future holds in Calgary. They still treat him with respect and like a team mate which is a good thing as a team. Calgary overall feels much like a Russian city. Its cold, lots of snow, mountains and lots of wide open space. Which means Askarov feels at home, he does not look much like a tourist or someone from a foreign land, because he is comfortable on ice roads, and lots of snow with cold temperatures.

Edited December 6, 2020 by Gooningitup