On Friday, New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin celebrated his 28th birthday. Here's a story on Stefen Rosner's first interaction with the talented tendy.
On Friday, New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin celebrated his 28th birthday. Here's a story on Stefen Rosner's first interaction with the talented tendy.
On Friday, New York Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin celebrated his 28th birthday.
In 136 NHL games, the 2022-23 Vezina trophy finalist owns a 2.34 GAA with a .924 SV%. His 16 shutouts since debuting in 2021-22 are by far the most in the league.
This summer, Sorokin and the Islanders came to terms on an eight-year extension worth $66 million -- an early birthday present, if you will.
In honor of his birthday, I wanted to tell you a little story about my first interaction with the talented tendy.
Joining the Islanders beat mid-way through the 2021-22 season was an incredibly unique experience.
Because of COVID-19 rules and regulations, all interviews and press conferences were done via Zoom.
There was little opportunity to talk face-to-face, get exclusive interviews, and build professional relationships.
Before the season concluded, the Islanders relaxed the Zoom-only policy, as PR would bring out two players and then head coach Barry Trotz after each game in a press conference-like setup.
We knew we would get locker room access as we geared up for training camp before the 2022-23 season.
Most of the other writers were relieved, being able to talk to players like they had done for years prior and rekindle those relationships.
For me, there was a ton of nerves. Not only do you want to ask the right questions, but you also want to make an excellent first impression in the room.
So once training camp rolled around and we entered the room, me a first-timer, I scanned the lockers, deciding who I would talk to first.
I'm not sure if I purposely walked up to Sorokin or followed the crowd of reporters, but that's who I ended up in front of.
When the nerves died down a bit, and I had the chance to ask a question, I asked Sorokin what he had worked on that summer.
His response was a simple one.
"Stop puck."
We shared a laugh, but I could tell Sorokin was dead serious.
He has one goal, and it's to stop yours.
There was no intention behind Sorokin making me laugh, but boy, did that brief interaction do wonders for me, mentally, as I found the next player to talk to, with an added boost of confidence that I could do this.
I'd talk to Sorokin occasionally, but even if I was passing by the room or in the hallway, he never failed to acknowledge me, whether it was with a head nod, a "Hey," or a quick hand gesture.
That's just the kind of person Sorokin seems to be.
Seeing Sorokin work behind the scenes and not just in the pipes for an NHL game showed exactly what kind of effort needs to go into being an NHLer.
READ MORE: Sorokin’s Mindset & Talent a Deadly Combination For Islanders
I can say that for every player in the locker room, which allows you to develop an appreciation for the person, not just the player.
But for Sorokin, his determination didn't just stop after he left the pipes. Coming over from Russia in 2020, Sorokin was set on learning English.
I heard a story that Sorokin would opt-in to stay home rather than go out because he had to practice his English.
Throughout this season specifically, Sorokin's English grew exponentially, even dropping the phrase "high-danger chances" after one of the games.
I can barely chew gum and walk, and this guy was mastering a brand new alphabet and phrases while also putting forth a Vezina-caliber season.
We know how good of a goaltender Sorokin is and how much he means to the Islanders, hence the long-term commitment.
If Sorokin can play to that elite level he's showcased over his first few years in the NHL, the Islanders will always have a chance to win.
I guess I'll have to ask Sorokin what he's worked on this summer and make that a tradition when camp comes around, eh?
Join Stefen Rosner's New York Islanders page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can listen to Rosner talk Islanders hockey on Hockey Night in New York with co-host Sean Cuthbert Sunday nights at 8 PM ET during the season.