Miroshnichenko also discusses overcoming the language barrier and why he chose to leave the KHL early for the Capitals organization.
ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Ivan Miroshnichenko stands on the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, his eyes focused on the coaches as they walk through drills at Washington Capitals Development Camp. He can't speak much English, leaving him to either get a rundown from Alexander Suzdalev or learn by watching. Regardless, when it's his turn, he lives up to expectations -- and then some.
Miroshnichenko has made quite the statement so far at development camp, which marks his first time skating with the club in North America. For him, it's not only a fun week of drills and meeting fellow prospects but a major opportunity.
“It’s been great. Obviously, it’s been hard, but all my teammates have been great. Everyone’s smiling, having a great time, so it’s been a tremendous experience," Miroshnichenko said, having Capitals' VP of Communications Sergey Kocharov translate.
For Miroshnichenko, it's been a tiring but meaningful experience, and the only big challenge has been the language barrier. He has spent time with a tutor, but he expects that time and immersing himself in the American culture will be the best teacher.
“It’s been difficult not knowing the language, so just being really focused on trying to observe what the coaches are telling me," Miroshnichenko explained. "That’s been the toughest part is not knowing the language."
Last year, the Russian had been in town for a couple of days but only took part in off-ice sessions as he wasn't yet allowed to skate. He had just entered remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and months of chemotherapy led to significant weight loss and illness.
"His blue jeans were hanging off his hips," assistant general manager Ross Mahoney recalled at the time.
However, the treatment worked, and Miroshnichenko has been cancer free since. Following months of work and rehab on the ice, he made the KHL jump this season and shined as an impressive young goal scorer. He also got all of his muscle back.
“Yes [I did], and I gained even more weight than that," Miroshnichenko added with a laugh.
After making strides in Avangard, he chose to terminate his KHL contract early so that he could sign his entry-level contract with the Capitals. For Miroshnichenko, there was no other option with his health restored and the ultimate goal waiting for him across the sea.
“It’s been my dream to play in the NHL, so I’m just pursuing my dream and that’s kind of the next step for me, so that’s why I made that decision," Miroshnichenko said.
So far at camp, Miroshnichenko has taken center stage, showcasing his lethal shot, quick feet and high hockey IQ. He's dominating in the drills and playing with strength and power, and it's easy to see where he draws inspiration from.
“Ovechkin, MacKinnon are the type of players I obviously look up to," Miroshnichenko said. "Would love to follow in their footsteps, too."
Looking ahead, Miroshnichenko's goal is simple: to make the roster out of training camp. He knows it will be a challenge, especially with the recent signing of Max Pacioretty and a handful of Hershey Bears ready to make the full-time jump, but he's ready to do all he can to prove that he's ready for the big show after his KHL stint.
“Of course, my goal is to make the NHL team. Obviously, there are a lot of great players, a lot of veteran players on the team, so it will be difficult. But that’s my goal; that’s what I’m aiming for," Miroshnichenko said.
And, at the end of the day, Miroshnichenko is happy to be embracing challenges at camp, and being 100 percent healthy meant everything to him as he begins the next chapter.
“I feel great both mentally and physically... Doctors performed a lot of tests on me just to make sure that I’m healthy, fully healthy, cancer free," he said. "I feel great.”