Ever since Viktor Kolesnikovs witnessed Jasper Clayton’s rocket of a goal in Game 6 of the 33rd annual SHL finals, he has idolized him and wanted to mimic his play after Clayton’s. While his goal scoring abilities may not be on par with that of Claytons, Kolesnikovs wants to focus on his defensive game as well as his passing and playmaking abilities as a two way defenseman. Viktor has been extremely grateful to be drafted by the Detroit Falcons, former home of his idol Clayton, who was also drafted 8th overall by Detroit. While Viktor was taken in the late rounds of the draft, he hopes that he can still pave his way to a successful SHL career like Clayton did, while working in the Falcons system. Currently, Jasper Clayton is tied for the team lead on the Wolf Pack at 19 points on the season. Kolesnikovs is hoping to emulate that sort of play in just a few short seasons.
Kolesnikovs has had a solid but quiet start to his inaugural season. In 16 games he has posted a mere 3 assists with no goals. On the bright side, he has 17 shots blocked, second most for the Falcons, and a plus/minus of positive 3. While he is still searching for his first goal, Viktor is not too worried. “When it comes It comes. No time for panic, just have to keep training hard and work like father always taught me”. As the season progresses on and Viktor continues to grow and develop his play, we will find out if he has what it takes to become the next Jasper Clayton
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