Ilya Solovyov had an eventful first a part of the season, being waived by the Calgary Flames earlier than the season, however staying throughout the system as he began within the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Wranglers after inking a two-year cope with the Alberta franchise. Curiously, the defenseman didn’t rule out such an consequence when native Belarusian media spoke with him earlier than the beginning of the season. On this dialogue, he talked about life abroad, his profession improvement choices, and his targets for the season.
** You possibly can comply with the unique discuss in Russian on the Belarussian YouTube channel Yasno o hokkee right here**
Offseason Preparation
Final summer time was a busy one for Solovyov, as it’s for a lot of gamers. He wanted to gear up for the season, spend time along with his household, and every little thing in between. “The preparation stage passed off largely throughout the summer time, totally on the ice,” Solovyov explains. “The aim there’s to showcase your talents whereas individuals observe what you’re missing and the place you should enhance. Preseason video games are necessary too as a result of they assist the gamers get into form and regain their sport rhythm. It’s extra like an examination now.”
Final season, Solovyov performed ten video games for the Flames and spent the rest of it with the Wranglers within the AHL. Then, he recharged in the summertime. “I didn’t journey anyplace far, simply stayed within the Alberta province, round Calgary,” the defenceman says. “We visited numerous spots, noticed stunning surroundings, waterfalls, mountains. It’s particularly attractive in summer time. My complete trip was spent right here. I solely rested for 2 weeks after which began coaching immediately.”
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Solovyov lastly had a while to dedicate to himself. “I really like soccer,” he admits. “- Each watching it and taking part in. As for hobbies, I’m probably not positive… I assume video video games, yeah. I’ve an Xbox and a laptop computer. On Xbox, I often play the classics—FIFA, NHL, Name of Responsibility, and on my laptop computer, it’s Counter-Strike.”
Being a Father
The Belarusian blueliner has not too long ago turn out to be a father and that was one other busy second within the lifetime of the participant. “My spouse actually wished a gender reveal social gathering,” he recollects. “We have been planning it collectively and I recommended doing it on the ice. We have been debating whether or not to do it after coaching, however in the long run, we determined to do it after a sport. Initially, it was speculated to be only a small circle of mates, however because it was after the sport, it felt improper to not invite the entire staff. So, the entire staff got here with their girlfriends and wives. My mother, my spouse’s mother, and my brother have been additionally on the town at the moment, so that they helped set up every little thing. The world employees did an important job too—they laid out the carpet, arrange tables—every little thing as we wanted. General, everybody labored collectively rather well.”
Life has modified for Solovyov. Now, he’s not only a participant and a husband, but additionally a father. “Yeah, there are moments the place it’s robust, and naturally, you generally want for extra relaxation,” he displays. “However nonetheless, nothing compares to when that little man smiles at you—it’s merely the happiest second. And when he sleeps, after all, that’s additionally a cheerful second for the dad and mom—time to spend with one another.”
NHL Debut
Final season, Solovyov had his NHL debut in a sport in opposition to the St. Louis Blues. He has some attention-grabbing reminiscences from that sport, apart from the plain. “I arrived on the sport feeling nervous, considering over some moments in my head. I used to be so distracted that I forgot to cease at a site visitors mild and crashed into one other automotive! The man acquired out, checked out me and my automotive, and mentioned, ‘Yeah, you’re not going anyplace with that.’ Then he checked his cellphone, acknowledged me from the information about my debut, and supplied to drive me to the world. He didn’t appear too apprehensive, as his automotive solely had a damaged sensor. So I left my automotive in a close-by parking zone, he picked me up, and now I’ve a private fan in Calgary!”
In fact, there isn’t solely the accident he remembers. He had a number of memorable video games, however he chosen a particular one. “It could have been our out of doors sport. I didn’t play a lot in that one, just a few minutes, so I don’t give it some thought an excessive amount of. However within the common video games, I’ve been taking part in effectively—shut to twenty minutes per sport.”
Season Objectives
He additionally has clear targets for the upcoming seasons: “I’ve been within the league for 3 years now, so I’m hoping to remain in the primary squad. I’ve performed two video games with a plus-2 ranking and haven’t conceded something on the penalty kill. In even energy, I’ve been strong too. Possibly it might have been good to attain a aim from the blue line, however the coach sees me in a barely totally different function—as somebody who ‘terrorizes’ the opposing forwards!”
Solovyov has solely performed within the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers to date, however he’ll most certainly get his likelihood with the large boys as he did final season, and possibly pot his first aim in a Flames jersey.
