Atlanta’s Favorite Hockey player
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
By Jacqueline Bartelmo.
The day before the Atlanta Thrashers made their first pick of 2001, a young Russian player declared his career goal “to be the greatest Russian hockey player ever.” Ilya Kovalchuk’s remark showed a great deal of confidence in himself. This assertiveness is what got the attention of the Atlanta Thrashers.
Kovy, as he is known to Thrasher fans, is ranked 10th in the entire NHL; so far this season he has scored 15 goals and 10 assists in only 18 games. His average so far this season is 23.1%, meaning he scores nearly one of every four shots. The Thrashers’ captain is clearly proving himself as a key component to the team’s success.
Not only is he a sensation on the ice, but he is one off the ice as well. In early 2006, Kovy joined in the charity effort focusing on unfortunate children in Atlanta. He enjoys using his free time with these children hanging out, playing video games, and bowling, one of his favorite past-times.
In 2002, Kovy took home the bronze medal in at the Winter Olympics. He was only 18 at the time, making him the youngest pro in the Games. In 2005 and 2007 Kovy won the bronze medal at the World Championships and then in 2008 and 2009 he showed his true talents and came home with the gold, one of his proudest moments. Although, he only won a bronze in his first Olympics and nothing in his second; playing for Team Russia once again, he now has a shot for a gold medal that the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The 26 year old tycoon is living his dream. His favorite player growing up was Valeri Kharlamov; a star player from Moscow. Kovolchuk wears the number 17 as a tribute to him. Like Kharlamov, Kovy is a master of the game. Between being one of the top players both in the NHL and in international competition; it would be no surprise if he does end up reaching his goal and becoming one of the greatest hockey players ever.
In the off season he splits his time between Atlanta, Moscow, & Florida with his wife, Nicole, thier daughter, Karolina, and his son, Philipp.
Tags: athlete, Atlanta, hockey, hockey league, hockey player, Jacqueline Bartelmo, NHL, sports
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