Igor Shesterkin, born on December 30, 1995, in Moscow, Russia, is a prominent professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Shesterkin started his hockey journey in Russia, developing his skills through various junior leagues and eventually playing for the SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Before making the transition to the NHL, Shesterkin showcased his exceptional talent and potential with SKA Saint Petersburg. He became widely recognized for his remarkable performances, earning accolades such as the KHL’s Best Goaltender Award and being named to the KHL First All-Star Team.
In 2019, Shesterkin made his move to North America, joining the New York Rangers’ organization. He made his NHL debut on January 7, 2020, and swiftly displayed his skills, gaining recognition as one of the league’s most promising goaltenders. Shesterkin’s style is characterized by his quick reflexes, agility, and calm demeanor under pressure, making him a formidable presence in the net.
Igor Shesterkin (Wikimedia)
Do you want to know more about Igor Shesterkin? Let’s take a look at these 17 interesting facts about Igor Shesterkin.
- Rapid Rise to NHL: Igor Shesterkin made a rapid ascent to the NHL, playing his first game for the New York Rangers just a few days after being called up from the American Hockey League (AHL).
- KHL Success: Before joining the NHL, Shesterkin had a successful career in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he played for SKA Saint Petersburg and earned several accolades.
- Record-Breaking Start: In his first eight NHL starts, Shesterkin managed to achieve an impressive 7-1-0 record, showcasing his exceptional skills and adaptability to the North American style of play.
- Youth Olympic Gold Medalist: Shesterkin won a gold medal at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics, representing Team Russia in Innsbruck, Austria.
- Inaugural Win and Shutout: Shesterkin’s first NHL win also came with a shutout against the Detroit Red Wings, making 29 saves and solidifying his status as a promising goaltender.
- Russian Superleague Championship: Shesterkin was part of the team that won the Russian Superleague championship with Spartak-2 in the 2011-2012 season.
- NHL Draft Selection: The New York Rangers selected Shesterkin in the fourth round (118th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
- Youth Hockey Success: Shesterkin won the Kharlamov Cup with the Moscow Dynamo junior team during the 2012-2013 season, an important achievement in Russian youth hockey.
- Junior Hockey Debut: He made his junior hockey debut at just 16 years old, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination from a very young age.
- Sharing a Record with Henrik Lundqvist: Shesterkin became the first Rangers goaltender since Henrik Lundqvist to win his first four career NHL starts.
- Nicknamed “Shesty”: Fans and teammates often refer to Igor Shesterkin affectionately as “Shesty” for convenience and a sign of camaraderie.
- Family of Athletes: Shesterkin comes from a family with a strong sporting background. His father, Andrei Shesterkin, was a professional cyclist, and his younger brother, Alexei, is a promising goaltender as well.
- Learning English: After joining the NHL, Shesterkin worked hard to improve his English, an essential skill for effective communication and integration into the team.
- Goaltending Idol: Growing up, Shesterkin idolized Finnish goaltender Pekka Rinne, admiring Rinne’s style and approach to the game.
- Exceptional Save Percentage: In his early NHL career, Shesterkin maintained an outstanding save percentage, further solidifying his reputation as a top-notch goaltender.
- Loves Cooking: Shesterkin has a passion for cooking, often sharing his culinary adventures and creations on his social media platforms.
- Strong Social Media Presence: He is known for his active and engaging presence on social media, providing fans with a glimpse into his life both on and off the ice.
Igor Shesterkin, the dynamic goaltender from Moscow, Russia, has quickly etched his name in the annals of NHL history. With a rapid rise to the top and a remarkable ability to consistently deliver stellar performances, Shesterkin has become a beacon of hope for the New York Rangers and their fans. His agility, lightning-quick reflexes, and calm composure under pressure make him a force to be reckoned with on the ice. As he continues to evolve and leave a lasting impact on the sport, it is evident that Shesterkin’s journey is one of resilience, talent, and a promise of an even brighter future in the world of hockey. The hockey world eagerly watches as this goaltending sensation continues to write his compelling story, leaving a legacy that is bound to inspire generations of aspiring players.
