Former Moscow striker “Dynamo” Igor Chernyshov told how he left for North America and where he will now continue his career.
On August 1, Chernyshov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with San Jose with an average salary of $0.967 million. On August 5, it was announced that the forward had signed with the Saginaw club of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
— How did you react to San José signing a contract with you?
“This is a very important emotional moment in my career. I would like to thank my native Dynamo in particular for making concessions to me and bringing my dream even closer.
— What did you talk about with sports director Alexei Sopin and head coach Alexei Kudashov?
— Contractual issues are the responsibility of my agent. I didn’t really take part in them. I didn’t have any serious conversations with the management about my departure. Only small dialogues took place with Alexey Kudashov. As a coach and mentor, he gave me advice on leaving. How to behave there, how to train. These are important nuances in terms of hockey. I am very grateful for that. In addition, Alexey Nikolayevich understands the situation. His son Artem himself could be selected in the NHL draft, and this topic is close to them.
— You were chosen first on the second day of the draft, and at number 33 you went to San Jose. How was that?
— Tables were set up on the big stage, and there was a podium there. We arrived, sat down in the lobby – and then a minute later they unexpectedly announced my name that the San Jose team had chosen me. We thought they would call me earlier. In fact, they predicted me the first round. If they didn’t get it, they’ll get it back at the beginning of the second. I got up, hugged my parents and left.
— You went to the San Jose training camp. Did you meet Evgeniy Nabokov there?
– Yes, he met me. Wonderful man! Open, positive. I really liked it, it helped me a lot. I don’t know English very well, but Nabokov accompanied me, helped me with the uniform – they issued it there. Helped to discuss all the problems with the coaches and doctors. If I didn’t understand something, Nabokov always came to my aid. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to meet him. A good Russian man, kind and friendly.
— Do you understand that San Jose is a club of opportunities? It’s the worst club in the NHL, you can’t go lower.
— Of course, I understand that San Jose is currently restructuring. I communicate with my agent and he tells me what and how to do best. I myself will try very hard to fulfill myself with the Sharks. It is an excellent opportunity and everything depends on me. We must work and prove ourselves.
— You were also selected by the Saginaw club in the Ontario Hockey League draft.
— Yes, the OHL team chose me. At home, during a family council, we decided that it was also a good opportunity to play North American hockey, to prepare for the NHL. I talked to the guys who played in this league. They said that the OHL is a mini-NHL. It’s a good and cool opportunity to realize your potential in the junior league. Also, Saginaw is the current champion of the Canadian Junior League and winner of the Memorial Cup.
– What are your future plans?
“I’m going to Saginaw, where I’m going to prepare. Then in September I’ll come to training camp in San Jose. I’ll work there and then I’ll go back to Saginaw for the start of the season. And then it’s up to me. If I show myself well, they can take me to the NHL. But we’ll see how it goes,” Chernyshov told .
Last season, the 18-year-old forward scored 28 points (13+15) in 22 MHL games, adding 4 (3+1) points in 44 KHL games for Dynamo, including the playoffs.
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I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
