Interview with Mikhail Grigorenko

I just translated an interview with 1994 born phenom Mikhail Grigorenko, who just played for Russia at the recent World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He was one of the tournament's best players as he scored six goals and ten points in just six matches, playing mostly against guys one year older than him.

You can read the interview here: http://www.russianhockeyfans.com/prospects/mikhail-grigorenko-i-dont-think-about-the-nhl-for-now-118.html

MHL players at the World Junior U-17 challenge

Team Russia that will compete in the World Junior U-17 challenge, held in Timmins, Ontario, from December 29th to January 4th, will present a number of players from the MHL. MHL players for will be goalie Andrei Makarov (Ladia Togliatti), defensemen Albert Yarullin, Anton Saveliev (both Bars Kazan), Alexei Vasilievsky (Tolpar Ufa), Vitaly Demakov (Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk) and forwards Alexei Shamin (Loko Yaroslavl), Alexander Kuvaev (Russkie Vityazi Chekhov), Roman Konkov (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod), Andrei Sigarev (Ladia Togliatti) and Alexander Khokhlachev (MHK Spartak).

Full roster here: http://www.russianprospects.com/public/article.php?article_id=686

Alexander Khokhlachev on Hockey's Future!

I wrote an article for the popular Hockey's Future website about Alexander Khokhlachev. It contains quotes from the player.

You can read it here: http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11716/beyond_tomorrow_alexander_khokhlachev/

MHL Future Stars: David Mnatsyan

After we talked with Samvel Mnatsyan, MHL Hockey is proud to introduce you his brother David, who currently plays for Avangard-93 and thus will be eligible to play in the MHL only next year. MHL Hockey thanks David for his time and his patience to take this interview.

Hi David. Tell our readers about yourself. Where were you born? Why did you choose hockey and not other kind of sports?

I'm David Mnatsyan, I'm 16 and I was born in Omsk. When I was 6 I went to my brother's training. More than everything I loved the passion and the emotions I could witness on ice. When I was a child I also liked football, but in my city that kind of sport isn't as developed as hockey. My city lives for Avangard Omsk.

I think that your dream is to become a hockey player, isn't it?

Yes, it is. Just like any other player I dream about playing in the world's best league, the NHL. And I hope to get that chance. That's my aim and I'm working for it.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I almost don't have any. That time is as valuable as gold. I like going to the movies or meeting friends. I also like a lot playing with the PS3. And there is the school too! It takes me a lot of time itself. I work hard to combine all this

What and where do you study?

I study in a sport class of a general education school. In that class go all my team mates. Our schedule is tied with out trainings and thanks to this we can go playing in other cities for away games.

Is there anything that you specifically work on during trainings?

I work a lot every day on shooting and skating. These are the most important components of a blue liner's game.

Do you pattern your game after a player in the NHL or in the KHL?

More than anyone I like Andrei Markov. I like how he plays back in the zone and how he joins the rush going forward.

How would you describe your personality?

I'm persistent, I believe in myself and I always want to win. If you have these quality you can do everything.

How many sticks did you use last season?

Around 10 to 12.

Favorite book?

I like Dan Brown's “Angels and Demons”.

Favourite dish?

Meat.

Favorite NHL team?

New York Rangers.

Favorite KHL team?

Avangard Omsk

Stanley Cup or Olympic Gold?

Stanley Cup.

Last question: who's better, you or your brother?

My brother has got talent, I won't argue. But I don't think my qualities are worse than his. I'll work hard to fullfil my expectations and I'll work hard to become better than him.

MHL poster boy Alexander Avtsin scores his first KHL goal

In the 4-0 Dynamo Moscow's win over Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, MHL poster boy Alexander Avtsin scored his first goal in the Kontinental Hockey League with an excellent top corner wrist shot.

It's possible to see his goal and read a little interview with him at RussianHockeyFans.com, clicking here.