The Moose returned to the ice today following a day off on Wednesday although they took the show down Portage Avenue from hockey for all centre to Canada Life as they prepare for their upcoming weekend series at home.
Assignment news:
Before practice was underway we learned that Jets D prospect Dmitry Kuzmin had been sent down to the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. This will allow the prospect to get in some much needed pro experience and get a chance to play big minutes for the Admirals.
Practice notes:
Jets prospect Chaz Lucius, who we learned on Tuesday had suffered a concussion back on October 22nd, was on the ice in a yellow, non-contact jersey here at Moose practice. He also was wearing neck protection.
With the tragedy that occurred in England to Adam Johnson it wasn’t a surprise to see Lucius and a number of other players (Henri Nikkanen, Brad Lambert, Danny Zhilkin and Artemi Kniazev) wearing neck protection this morning. And while more players may want some form of protection it may not be that easy to secure it with there likely being a huge demand right now from pro and junior hockey players across North America.
Following practice I asked Henri Nikkanen how it felt wearing neck protection out on the ice
“Most likely I’ll start wearing it. It’s not too uncomfortable. I think it’s the same as with the wrist guards. You just gotta use it a couple of practices and then you get used to it. Felt pretty comfortable.”
Suspect we see a few more tomorrow trying them out.
Transitioning to North America:
It isn’t easy to uproot oneself get dropped into a completely foreign city/country and then be expected to play hockey at an exceptionally high level but that is simply the reality for a number of Jets prospects.
Jets 2021 2nd rounder Nikita Chibrikov has been quite successful as he gets used to being in Winnipeg both on and off the ice. He’s fortunate in that he has 2022 3rd rounder Danny Zhilkin with the Moose as the two were teammates over in Russia from ages 4 to 9.
He reflected after practice on his transition to playing with the Moose:
“I try to do my best for the team, transition to the game here but I want to stay with my style. Playmaker, making chance to my partners, scoring goals and try to help the team for the win.”
The crafty winger has one goal and seven assists through six games of play which is good enough for 4th in AHL rookie points.
Player media:
Interview with Nikita Chibrikov runs 3:43
Interview with Henri Nikkanen runs from 3:44 till the end.
Up next:
The Moose have another day of practice tomorrow as they get set for their weekend series with the Rockford Icehogs.
