The Perfect Storm
Ilya is a force of Nature a "Perfect Storm" if you will. Sweeping north, west, right across North America and
is showing no signs of stopping. Devastating every thing that stands in his way. Two years after being selected Number One in the NHL entry draft 1st Russian ever to do so. Ilya Kovalchuk is taking the NHL
by storm.
"One timers used to be my favorite but Break ways, I love break
always." -Ilya Kovalchuk.
His release has to be one of the quickest in the league his inspiration not Burea, Larena
or Fedorov its another force of nature that sent Canadians to the bench shaking their heads in 72.
"Kharlamov,
my dad showed me video tapes he is unbelievable." -Ilya Kovalchuk
Wearing Valeri Kharlamov's number, the 20 year old is determined to make his own history.
"Kharlamov
was great, but I want to be the Best." -Ilya Kovalchuk
"Kovys on a mission he wants to be the best player in the NHL, not the best Russian." -Coach Bob Hartley
"People really gravitate towards stars and Kovalchuks start this year is very impressive and people I think
take notice of that." -Thrashers GM Don Waddell
Even in Atlanta, a truly American city, giving the world Martin Luther King, Coca-Cola and CNN, not to mention
Mike Vick, and the Braves. Kovalchuk's flout of offence has made people stand up and take notice.
"We
start winning the games and people came to the arena more and more every night." -Ilya Kovalchuk
In the absent of Dany Heatley, and the tragic passing of teammate Dan Snyder. Coach Hartley has been left with
no option but to play his best card often. Giving his impact player more minutes than any other forward in the league. The
result a shot at the scoring title and if the Thrashers make the playoffs for the 1st time in franchise history,
inhabitable MVP consideration.
"He's one guy that Im comfortable to say if not this year but hes going to score 50 goals for a lot of years
to come." -Thrashers GM Don Waddell
"I
look at this like 2, 3,4 years down the road he's going to be unbelievable." -Coach Bob Hartley
