In just his second year as a regular player with the Victoria Royals, Alex Bolshakov is no longer the young guy on the team.
With 12 rookies on the roster, Bolshakov will get his opportunity and ice time during the abbreviated 2021 Western Hockey League season.
“Every guy is going to get an opportunity to put their foot down to show the team and themselves what they can do in this environment,” said Bolshakov. “There are and 24 games in 48 days, you have to be there 100% at a time.”
While in isolation before joining his teammates in the hub based out Kelowna, B.C., the 18-year-old forward used the time wisely.
“A lot of focus throughout the day, just making sure that you’re on top of everything you need to be doing for the team and yourself,” he said. “A lot of mental preparation or physical preparation.”
After his first full season in Victoria, Bolshakov knows what the coaching staff will expect.
“With J.F. [Assistant Coach J.F. Best] and Dan [General Manager and Head Coach Dan Price], it’s a lot of the small things that they look for,” Bolshakov said. “You have to be focused and ready. Some mistakes will be made but they expect that from us because we are learning. As long as you’re trying, they’ll see that and know that you’re working towards the team’s goal and your goal.”
A Year Away
The time away from hockey for Bolshakov has been difficult at times. Like many players, the native of Seattle, Washington was challenged to continue training during the shutdown.
“Each player had a different offseason,” said Bolshakov. “Some were able to get as much ice as they liked, others were barely able to skate. Everybody’s landscape was different.
“I was at home in Washington State the whole time and it was pretty tough. The state was closed, with ice rinks and gyms shut down. I didn’t get a lot of time for development or as much as I wanted. But our coaches are of that and they’re going to be a big help towards getting us up to speed for this season.”
Hockey in Seattle
Growing up in the Seattle area, Bolshakov played for the Everett Jr. Silvertips 16U AAA of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL). Playing for the Jr. Silvertips has led to some lasting friendships.
“You stuck with the guys that you played with for a while and now those guys are my lifelong friends.”
He has seen a growing interest in hockey from when he started.
“Not many people played hockey, to be honest,” Bolshakov said. “We had the Thunderbirds and I’d go to a bunch of their games. I always looked up to those guys.”
Bolshakov’s parents were born in the Soviet Union, and after its collapse, they emigrated to America. So, given his heritage, there is one former T-Bird that stands out in memory.
“There was a Russian player, Alexander Delnov. He was one of my favourites, Bolshakov said. “With him being Russian as well, I was pretty hyped to see him play in Seattle.”
In 2017 the Victoria Royals selected Bolshakov in the 4th round, 69th overall in the WHL Bantam Draft. For the American player, coming to British Columbia and playing in the city of Victoria was never in doubt.
“It was a dream for me,” Bolshakov said. “After watching the Thunderbirds all the time, I always wanted to play in the league. It was kind of a surprise when the Royals drafted me, but once it happened, my parents and I knew that I was going to be there, no question about it.”
For Bolshakov, it is always a highlight when the Royals play against the Thunderbirds in Seattle.
“We played there last year and one thing, in particular, stood out for me,” he said. There was one spot we would sit to watch the Thunderbirds play when I was growing up. Before our game during warmup, I looked at that spot and just thought about that young kid watching players warm up. Now, I’m one of those players looking back at the fans. It was kind of crazy to me and made me happy I was able to push through and get to where I want it to be.”
Lessons from a First Season
With one full WHL season under his belt, Bolshakov can reflect on the steps he has made in his development.
“I started the year going back home for surgery,” he said. “That kind of pushed me back a little bit. But when I came back, the coaches made sure that I was up to speed with everything. They put me through some hard work but every day I got closer to playing more and it felt great.”
Bolshakov is driven to improve and is focused on developing his game. With that, he has learned to rely on his coach’s feedback.
“I talked a lot with J.F. last season,” he said. “I had to watch myself and see what I was doing right and wrong. So, J.F. would sit down with me almost after every single game and looked at my shifts. My development from when we first started to our last one, I felt led to an extreme spike for me and an understanding of what the team wants. It was just extremely important for me.”
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