Photo Credit: Our very own Yariv Wolok
Matvei Michkov is the biggest, most polarizing, figure to don an orange and black sweater since Eric Lindros. Flyers fans are very excited, and are watching his every move. The build up to him arriving in Philadelphia with the Flyers top executives was priceless. Now it’s the don of the Michkov era, with him wearing the #39:
All Michkov wants to do is win., “Bring young blood to the team,” Michkov said on what he’s hoping to accomplish with the Flyers. “Put goals on the scoreboard, and help the team win night after night. Basically, help the team win the whole thing.”
His translator, Slava Kuznetsov continues, “The main idea is to win, and he’s here to help the team to win.” It took 24 hours for him being in North America to finally hit the ice, That’s how much he wants it, that’s just his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Michkov is now able to get adapted to North America sooner than expected. He has about two months to train and skate before Training Camp begins, or the gauntlet begins of John Tortorella’s camp. More importantly, he has time to learn the culture, learn the English language, just learn how to become a pro. Danny Briere said the Flyers will provide him with a tutor, so he could learn English language proper way.
In addition, Michkov can learn from Ivan Fedotov and Egor Zamula, both of which were brought up yesterday in terms of helping Michkov. Sean Couturier and Erik Johnson have both also reached out to Michkov.
It wasn’t easy for Fedotov either, leaving his family and friends in Russia, however, he is overcoming it all. Fedotov can teach the young rookie the proper way with overcoming adversity.
Flyers fans deserve Michkov, and they have been craving a player like Michkov for years. The proud orange faithful have weathered the storm, now it’s time for the Flyers to take the next step of the rebuild.
“It’s very cool that they love hockey so much, and they greeted me very warmly. I am very grateful to them,” Michkov said of Flyers fans.
