Igor Bobkov: Life After World Juniors Gold

It’s been just over a month since Team Russia’s heroic come-from-behind gold medal victory that took place in Buffalo at the 2011 World Junior Championships, but the moment is still fresh in the mind of Russian netminder Igor Bobkov.

“There is certainly more attention [on me] right now,” said Bobkov who resides in London, Ont. while playing for the OHL’s London Knights. “I definitely have more responsibility, coaches want more from me [] and the press too.”

After losing to both Canada and Sweden in the preliminary round, the unsuspecting Russian squad won three in a row – against the Czech Republic, Finland and Sweden – before stunning Team Canada with a five-goal final frame to diminish a three-goal third period deficit.

Bobkov turned away 20 shots on goal to earn the win in net after replacing starter Dmitri Shikin. “Big Bob” – the 6’4″, 192-pound native of Surgud, Russia – had only made one appearance in the tournament prior to the gold medal match-up and coincidentally enough it was a 6-3 loss to the Canadians.

“It’s really tough to play here against Canada,” said Bobkov. “People here are crazy about hockey. There are lots of fans and we have big pressure [] every [Russian] fan and hockey player wished we would beat Canada in North America.”

The gold medal was Russia’s first since 2003 when they boasted a line-up that included soon-to-be NHL All-Star Alexander Ovechkin. Putting an end to the seven-year gold medal drought was a fitting birthday celebration for Bobkov, who celebrated his 20th on Jan. 2, and is playing out his final year of eligibility at the junior level.

“It feels nice,” said Bobkov. “I’m proud [of myself].”

As London’s No. 2 goaltender many wondered how Bobkov would fare in international play, but the third-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks put on his best performance at just the right time.

Immediately after celebrating his victory, Bobkov called his parents in Russia to share the excitement.

“They were happy for me and proud of me too,” he said. “And crying little bit.”

The championship victory has been fundamental in drawing attention to the recently-developed junior hockey program in Russia – the Russian Junior League (MHL).

“The Russian Hockey Federation is doing everything for that,” said Bobkov. “Last year they made the new league and that is just beginning.”

In 2013, Ufa, Russia will host the World Junior Championships in what is sure to be another positive stride for the MHL, Russia, and International Hockey as a whole.