Roman Rotenberg, first vice-president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and former head coach of SKA St. Petersburg, has shared his thoughts on Ivan Demidov’s nomination for the Calder Trophy. The award is presented annually to the NHL’s top rookie based on regular-season performance.
Demidov, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens, is one of three finalists for the honor, alongside New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke, as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
“I stay in constant contact with Vanya Demidov, just like with all the players I’ve worked with. He tells me a lot of things, and it actually helps me grow as a coach. I support all the guys I’ve worked with.
I wish Vanya all the best and hope he keeps up his great form. I know him well, so I understand that team results matter more to him than individual awards. I wish Vanya and his team success,” Rotenberg told Sport-Express.
