<div align="center">Interview with Leo Yakimov - SMJHL Prospect



Leo Yakimov is a young Russian center that has moved away from home to reach his dreams of one day playing in the SHL. Although he lacks some defense as all Russians do, he certainly does not lack leadership. The soft spoken sniper has his eyes set on being drafted in the SMJHL and is looking to make an impact immediately. His biggest adjustment and learning curve will be transferring his game to the North American style ice, but I’m sure in due time he will have it all figured out.</div>

***Please distribute 60% of the earnings to IX JOKER VI and 40% to myself***

RaiN - Thank you for taking the time today to do this interview. It must be pretty thrilling knowing you are only a few short days away from being drafted into the SMJHL

JOKER - It's no problem, I quite enjoy the interview process. I am extremely excited to see how everything works out. I have a team in mind that I would like to go to, not gonna say who it is but really hoping they select me. all in all I cant wait to just get the season started and see how things go from there.

RaiN - Why did you turn down the KHL to come to North America to play in the SMJHL? How did that decision come about?

JOKER - Well it all started when I was a young boy I watched players like Pavel Bure, Sergei Federov and Sergei Samsonov. made me want to come to the SHL to try and not only play like them but play better then them I want to beat my hero's. not only that but the wars going on in Russia have started to worry not only me but also my family. In the end I came to the SHL for my family and the competition.

RaiN - Based off some video, some suggest you are a typical Russian sniper who can't play a full 200 foot game. Care to comment on this criticism?

JOKER - well I'll admit defense isn't the best part of my game but it is the one thing I plan to work on in the near future. I also I have to say that if my only negative aspect is i'm a little lack luster in the defensive zone, then I think i'm doing pretty good.

RaiN - Who would you say you mimic your game after?

JOKER - To be perfectly honest it would have to be Alexander Ovechkin. me and him have the same mind set shoot first, i'm a little smaller then he is at 6'2 220 lbs but we both are form Moscow. I think me and Ovi will be almost identical his biggest weakness in my eyes is his defence and as you pointed out earlier so is mine. But all in all I think Ovi is the person I compare my self to the most.

RaiN - If I was an SMJHL GM, why would I draft you above any other player? What sets you apart from other prospects who are talented enough to make it to the SMJHL?

JOKER - Well personally I believe that my shot tied together with my skating ability and puck handling would be my best asset but I also bring a good size to the table, at 6'2 220 lbs I feel that the combination of my offence and that size brings more value. but honestly the scoring ability is what I think separates me for the other players in this draft.

RaiN - Say your first season doesn't go exactly as planned. Are you the type of player to request a trade? Or do you continue to put faith into the management team that drafts you?

JOKER - This is a really good question. But I am the type of player that sticks to his decisions. That being said I also believe that management does what's best for the team if that means trading me so be it. All i want to do is find a team i like and play Hockey. after all is done i would stand by managements decision I would not request a trade but would understand if i was traded.

RaiN - I doubt you will answer this but figured I'd might aswell ask. Are there any particular organizations you'd like to play for? Maybe give us a top 3?

JOKER - Honestly, I would just like to play for a team that wants me their. I want to play for a team that gives me the ice time I earn and a team that makes me feel at home or welcomed to walk into everyday.

RaiN - Do you have a pre-game meal?

JOKER - I do its the meal I've been eating since I was around the age of 10. I have a nice big juicy steak with some grilled vegetables and garlic potatoes, and what's a meal without a shot of vodka... just kidding.

RaiN - Would you say you are a leader or a follower?

JOKER - I would say I am defiantly a leader i like to be the one that makes the play happen whether it be a great pass or a wicked toe drag top cheese goal. i also like to be the first one in and the last one out for morning skate. i like to lead by example and cant wait to see how i can help other teams out there.

RaiN - Do you project yourself to be a high draft pick in this upcoming draft?

JOKER - To be honest i would be a little disappointed if I went anywhere after the 5th round but it wouldn't discourage me that much as i believe I can play for any team if given the opportunity.

RaiN - Do you think you will crack the Russian IHF squad after your first SMJHL season? Where do you see yourself in their lineup?

JOKER - Honestly I believe if given the right opportunity on the right team and luck on my side yes I believe I will make the tea. Wont be that 1 2 punch right away but at least a 4th line c and that's all I can ask for or even hope for right now all my focus is on this season and how i'm gonna do this year.

RaiN - What do you plan on doing post draft? Will you be in attendance or back at home?

JOKER - I will be staying here post draft as I want to get use to the new sleeping schedule and want to get to know the coaching staff. I also will be looking fir a place to stay and a vehicle to drive. I also will be doing my normal post season work out routine to get me ready for the season. So as you can see i will be very busy this summer with no time to go home.

RaiN - What number do you plan on wearing once drafted and why?

JOKER - 77, its the number my dad wore and its the number his dad wore its just tradition and i plan to keep it going.

RaiN - Thank you for your time today. It's been a pleasure. Good luck in the draft!

JOKER - Its been a pleasure thank you and have a great night.