Red Wings prospect Dmitry Buchelnikov spoke to KHL.ru about a month ago for a feature that has both text and a YouTube interview, and Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff took note of Buchelnikov’s remarks regarding his father, Vladimir, who’s the goaltending coach for SKA-1946, the VHL team where Buchelnikov played for 9 games this past season:
Vladimir Buchelnikov was a professional netminder in the Russian second and third divisions for over a decade. He saw most of his playing days stopping pucks for Sputnik Nizhny Tagil.
While his father suited up in goalie gear, Dmitri is focusing his hockey ability on undressing goaltenders. It was his combination of puck skills and finishing touch that was leading the Red Wings to make Buchelnikov the 52nd overall selection of the 2022 NHL entry draft.
Still, that doesn’t mean his dad isn’t serving as an inspiration as the younger Buchelnikov is chasing the elusive dream of playing in the NHL.
“I saw how dad trains hard, plays,” Buchelnikov told KHL.ru. “I watched and rejoiced. Probably, it was a foregone conclusion before my birth.”
He credits his extended family for the tremendous support they’ve been offering him throughout his hockey journey.
“My dad helped me from a coach’s point of view, and my mom found the right words and supported me emotionally,” Buchelnikov said. “My grandparents would come to other cities to cheer me on. I also have a sister who is 10 years older, and we communicate very well. The support of my whole family is valuable.”
Continued; I’d sure appreciate it if any of you Russian-speakers could help us Red Wings fans by watching the video!
