The "SKREEE" heard after the 5th goal, is something Zakkira Diporov will never forget. In a huge 7-1 victory over the Maine Timbers, Zakkira played one of his best games as a Falcon, he had 3 shots total with 2 on goal with only being on the ice for 6 minutes total, but he believes he made a big impact for his team. In the second period with about 4 minutes remaining Zakkira was in the right place at the right time, Guy O'Shea had a beautiful pass to Cal Labovitch saw a open Zakkira in front of the net and Zakkira shoots it past Maine's goalie for his first goal in his SMJHL Career.  Cal was the first star for that game, with 1 goal and 3 assist. He gave Zakkira a chance to shine and have his moment at scoring instead of just being selfish and shooting himself. Cal was a perfect team player on the night. This is what Zakkira had to say on it.

"Well I was on the right side and Guy gave Cal a beautiful pass and I thought to myself Cal was gonna snipe it home, but he brought the defenders over to him, and he still had a good look on goal, but decided to give me the puck and try to get in the net, and just like that my first goal of many for the Detroit Falcons, Cal was a great teammate during that play, he could of kept it and shoot it, but he gave me the chance to put it away. Winning 7-1 was even better on top of it, everyone played amazing, we are improving everyday to try and compete for another championship." 

Zakkira rookie campaign has not been the hottest start with 3 points total on the year 1 goal and 2 assist, but he is determined to get better each week, with training on and off the ice to better himself to help his team win. He wants to score goals, but he knows its more about defense and stopping the other team from putting the puck in the back of net. I asked him on his opinion on his season so far. 

"I have not been good enough simple as that, I need to work day in and day out to do better on the defensive end of the ice, I am not positioning well enough I think, not getting in front of the defender to block shots, or poke the puck away. I can score goals, but I will not see the ice if I cannot play defense, and help my team not get scored on. Simple as that."

He continues to work harder and harder to get more ice time, but he knows he will have to wait and get better off the ice and improve in those categories he has to improve in. We are excited to see this 6th round pick in the Draft get better and show everyone who passed up on him were wrong.

Drafted 2nd round 21st Pick by the Winnipeg Jets in S55 SHL Entry Draft 

GM of the UCORCAL in the WJC S55

S55 WJC Gold Medalist GM/Player for UCORCAL

Management Role for Russia in the IIHF

Recent Management Role / Head Coach for Winnipeg Aurora in SHL 

CO-GM St. Louis Scarecrows S57-S60

GM of the St. Louis Scarecrows S61-S72

S72 Challenge Cup Champion