The biggest influence on my journey to the SMJHL has been my mentor, Ales Smirnov, and the team of the West Kendall Platoon. I first met Ales 6 years ago, when our school was invited to practice with the Russian IIHF team. I was lucky enough to be paired with Ales in the event. I enjoyed every moment of the event, and did not want it to come to an end. Lucky enough for me, the following summer Ales reached out to me, and asked if I wanted to learn a little more about the game. How could I say no? Ales began mentoring me in every aspect of the game from mental, physical, and even how make connections within the industry.

Thats when Ales flew me out to North America to meet his SHL team, the West Kendall platoon. I got meet a lot of great people, and build even more friendships. Spending my summers with Ales quickly evolved into him teaching me the North American game, and adjusting my skill set to better suit increase in speed of play.

Smirnov has been everything I can ask for in a mentor for my journey into the SMJHL, and hopefully soon to be the SHL.