Ivan Demidov finally played his first intra-squad game with SKA yesterday, after missing the first two games.
His performance was impressive: he scored the first goal of the game with a spectacular shot.
This return to the ice is crucial for Demidov, who is trying to prove his worth and secure playing time on a competitive team.
SKA's coach, Roman Rotenberg, praised Demidov's performance, calling him "incredible" in a statement shared on Instagram, which is notable given Rotenberg's demanding reputation for young players.
"Vanya [Ivan] Demidov was incredible today." - Roman Rotenberg
If Demidov continues on this path and earns Rotenberg's trust, he might avoid a return to the VHL. For the Canadiens, seeing Demidov excel in this context is a positive sign.
He will also need to focus on the Puchkov Tournament, where he will be captain of the U23 team.
