Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
Flyers fans we’re able to get their first taste of Matvei Michkov yesterday during the first session of Rookie Camp, and he did not disappoint, “I’m excited to see him, I know you guys are,” Lehigh Valley Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière said of Michkov following practice. “They are pumped. From what I’ve seen today, there’s a reason to be excited. He doesn’t speak much English, but you can tell he wants to be a difference Maker. I’m impressed.”
He surely didn’t disappoint. Michkov’s skating was crisp, his hands were sick, and he also did a nice little oke check to Jett Luchanko for a goal. He is by far, the cream of this crop of rookies and if anyone wondered that on day one, think again. Michkov wants to puck at all times, he just appears to make the right plays each time.
Michkov will also be playing in tonight’s first game rookie series game. He is actually speedy, as I have documented before. Michkov’s edge cuts were seen all over the Flyers Training Center ice today. One could also tell the work he has put in this summer, as he came to camp in great shape, “Quick hands, when you see it live it’s even more impressive,” said Laperrière.
“He’s an unbelievable player. I’m really excited to share the ice with him. I’m excited to play with him tomorrow, as well.” – Jett Luchanko said of Michkov
Matvei looked great today with Jett Luchanko. The pair just looked in sync, and made the tough stuff look easy. Luchanko knew where Matvei was, and Matvei knew where he was. They had great chemistry together, and it appeared that the two had played together for years,”I see Jett Luchanko, really, really good guy. Tomorrow we are ready,” Michkov said of Luchanko in English.
That was not a typo above, Michkov talked about Luchanko in English. He’s really trying to learn English language, and that is something that’s sets him apart from other Russian Prospects, as well. He is determined, and yet again, that gives more reason to prove that he wants it. Michkov has only been in the United States for approximately two months, and he already knows some English as he said “Hard questions” in English, as well.
On this one single day in September, finally Flyers fans have something to smile about. Michkov has reinvigorated the fan base, and he will not disappoint.
Extra Credit:
Denver Barkey sat out of practice yesterday with the illness that kept him out of the London Knights Camp.
Carter Sotheran also sat out yesterday, and he explained it, “Some issues with my heart, the past few years now. Tests around here and hopefully be ready for the weekend. I have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome for three or 4 years now, but I’ve kind of controlled it, little episode, dealing with it now.”
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