:  Valeri Kharlamov


The hockey world has been buzzing about Matvei Michkov’s talents for the past five years. Now, the stage is set for him to prove his worth at the EHE level. Always two steps ahead of opponents, he seizes opportunities most can’t even see on the ice, sneaking behind defenders, beating them off the mark, and manipulating them with savvy feints. He’s master at breaking defences off the rush with changes of speed and east-west movements. (EliteProspects, 2024)