06-30-2024, 12:41 PM(This post was last modified: 07-06-2024, 09:21 AM by CptSquall. Edited 1 time in total.)
In the S38 SMJHL Entry draft, the Prince George Firebirds had a draft class for the ages. In the first round they selected superstar goaltender, Tommy Tuck, third overall. Tommy would prove crucial to the future of Prince George and enjoy an excellent career after his time with the Firebirds. In the second round, the Firebirds were blessed with two picks, their own pick at number thirteen and the fifteenth overall pick which had originally been the Detroit Falcons but had twice been traded to London and then Prince George. At thirteen overall they selected center Carter Manning, another solid pick who would contribute to the Firebirds for his entire junior career. At the fifteenth overall spot, you can argue that they got the steal of the entire draft.
They selected a first generation player by the name of Mikhail Lokitonov. Lokitonov represented Austria on the world stage. Mikhail was a sought after first generation player. He had shown promise by being active around the league from the time he signed up. Taking a chance on a first generation player has an extreme case of risk and reward. Adding a fresh face to the league is always excellent. Sometimes you can get a future all-star and huge contributor to the league, other times you get players who start off promising but fizzle out and don't stick around. In Prince Georges case, they got a player who would have a hall of fame career and contribute a lot to the league itself.
Lokitonov started off his career with Prince George strongly. Winning the Rookie of the Year honors at the end of the year award show. Finishing second in rookie goals with 10, and finishing first in total points with 26. Mikhail also contributed to a crowning moment in Prince George history, when the Firebirds rose the S38 Four Star Cup after a seven game slugfest with the Detroit Falcons. Famously, Lokitonov only had 1 (!) point in the playoffs that year. He had 1 assist enroute to winning the Four Star Cup. Although he got much flak from his team and league, he remained a positive figure in the locker room and being a very vocal advocate for the team. His commitment to working on the defensive side of the game worked wonders for his career. Not only did Mikhail hoist the S38 Four Star Cup and the Esa Anrikkanen (ROTY), but he also won the Elias Armia, the SMJHL Award of Excellence which is given by the SMJHL commissioner. This award showed the SHL community that not only was Mikhail a tremendous talent as a player, but also a key figure in the future of the league.
Lokitonov remained in Prince George for the S39 season. The team didn't achieve as great success as former years, but Lokitonov had a tremendous season scoring 57 points in 50 games. He had blossomed into a star. He also won the Ron Bolt award, which is the SMJHL's sportmanship award. Mikhail continued to show great leadership qualities throughout the season. Leading into his third junior season, Lokitonov was moved to the Kelowna Knights, where he would have a dip in production, only scoring 36 points. Although Mikhail scored less, his leadership and locker room presence helped the Kelowna Knights raise the S40 Four Star Cup. Making that 2 Four Star Championships in a three year junior career.
After dominating in junior and being an excellent advocate for the league, during the start of S41, Mikhail would graduate to his SHL team, Toronto. Mikhail would go on to enjoy a hall of fame SHL career and leave a lasting impact on the league and its community.
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