Canucks prospect Shirokov set to shun KHL for shot at NHL dream

Matthew Sekeres Chicago Globe and Mail May 4, 2010

Vancouver Canucks prospect Sergei Shirokov does not intend to play in Russia next season, according to both the NHL team and the player himself.

A report on a Russian website, picked up by Canadian and U.S. media outlets, says the 24-year-old winger is headed back to the Kontinental Hockey League next season after spending most of 2009-10 with the Manitoba Moose, Vancouver’s farm team.

But Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman says that Shirokov’s camp has given the team every indication that he will be back at training camp next autumn. Shirokov, in fact, said as much just last week when interviewed from Moscow.

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Sergei Shirokov is recalled from the Manitoba Moose

Canucks recall four
Evan Oberg, Guillaume Desbiens, Mario Bliznak, and Sergei Shirokov are recalled from the Manitoba Moose.
NHL.com May 4, 2010

Shirokov, 24, played in 76 games with Manitoba this season and was second on the team in scoring, registering 45 points (22-23-45) and 32 penalty minutes.

In six playoff games with Manitoba this year, he recorded two points (0-2-2) and four penalty minutes.

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Hot commodity Shirokov sticking with chosen path

Ken Wiebe Winnipeg Sun April 28, 2010

Sergei Shirokov has no plans to abandon his dream.

There are sure to be lucrative offers for the skilled forward to return to Russia and play in the Kontinental Hockey League, but Shirokov is still planning on being in North America next fall.

“Next year I’ll go back to training camp in Vancouver and then we’ll see what we’re doing,” said Shirokov, a 24-year-old from Moscow. “If they send me back down, I’ll go to Winnipeg to play and work hard. I want to play in the NHL.”

There were plenty of things for Shirokov to experience and adjust to as he played his first season in North America.

“It’s a very good season, lots of new things for me,” said Shirokov, a sixth-round pick (163rd overall) of the Canucks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. “Lots of emotions. New country, new language. I like (Canada), it’s very nice.”

Shirokov tied for the team lead in goals (22) and was second in points (45) to Marco Rosa (55) while appearing in 76 games with the Moose.

“Not bad, it was OK for the first year,” said Shirokov, when asked to assess his own play. “I want to score more goals. I need more shots.”

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Shirokov and Moose Ready To Rumble Against Hamilton Bulldogs

Antler Banter: Volume 24
Hockey Blog In Canada April 15, 2010

The AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs start this evening, and the Moose will be in Hamilton, Ontario to battle the North Division Champion Hamilton Bulldogs. These two teams battled to even 4-3-1 records this season, proving that there wasn't a lot of difference between the teams in the North Division. The familiarity also breeds contempt as the Bulldogs and Moose had moments of hand-to-hand combat this past season. We'll take a look at how these two teams match-up in this series, and what will be the keys to victory for the Moose....

Sergei Shirokov was Manitoba's most dangerous scorer against Hamilton, recording three goals and four assists. Evan Oberg and Marco Rosa recorded two goals and four assists each. A total of 22 Moose players recorded one point in the eight games against Hamilton.

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Sergei Shirokov Named Manitoba Moose Rookie of The Year

Manitoba Moose Hand Out Team Year-End Awards
MLNTheRawFeed.com April 11, 2010

As well, Moose newcomer Sergei Shirokov was named the Lawton Partners Rookie of the Year, while veteran Lawrence Nycholat was given the Payworks Best Defencemen Award.

Representatives from the Moose corporate partners were on hand for the pre-game ceremonies to present the award winners with their trophies.

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Shirokov- Goal and Assist to lead Manitoba to 2-1 win over Bulldogs

With an opportunity to perhaps leave a lasting impression on a potential first-round playoff opponent, the Manitoba Moose also kept their hopes of a third-place finish alive.

Thanks to a 2-1 victory over the first-place Hamilton Bulldogs before a crowd of 3,079 at Copps Coliseum on Tuesday, the Moose moved within two points of the Abbotsford Heat, who hold a game in hand and play a road game Wednesday against the Lake Erie Monsters.

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Sergei Shirokov Proving To Be Top Moose

Shirokov had 21 goals and 41 points in 69 games and was a respectable minus-1 heading into Tuesday night's game with the Heat in Abbotsford.

Shirokov no problems, Adjusts to minor-pro level
Jim Jamieson, The Province March 31, 2010

In Monday's 5-2 Moose win over the Heat, Shirokov didn't figure in the scoring, but he looks as if he's improved in his own end.

"Sergei had a good first half but in the latter part of January and February he fell off" said Moose head coach Scott Arniel. "We're hoping he can finish strong. When you look at his numbers he's had a great rookie start, but we think there's more there."

Shirokov, 24, says he's happy with his progress, but is also proud of his vastly improved English.

"I like very much this level and this coach is good for me," he said. "I like this hockey. It's more hits, more shots, faster a little bit than KHL in Russia. It was tough for me the first month, now it's better. Now no problem the rink, the system, English getting better."

Additional Reading: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Shirokov+problems/2746942/story.html

Shirokov and Moose Looking For Back to Back Wins

Moose Aim For Back-To-Back Wins Over Bulldogs
Portageonline.com March 24, 2010

The Manitoba Moose are back in action tonight as the Hamilton Bulldogs visit the MTS Centre.

The Moose are looking to make it back-to-back wins over the Dogs after a 3-2 victory last night in Winnipeg.

The Herd have been led by Marco Rosa and Sergei Shirokov this season. The two forwards are tied for the team lead with 21 goals a piece.

Cory Schneider has been solid once again between the pipes this year for Manitoba. The Canucks prospect has a 30-21-1 record while sporting a 2.60 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

Additional Reading: http://www.portageonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16546&Itemid=69

Classic Video: Sergei Shirokov 2nd Goal of The Night September 4, 2009

Youtube.com User: CanucksHD

Warming Up In The Great North: Sergei Shirkov 4 Points In Last Five Games

The Mattress Line March 8, 2010

Who’s Hot

Goaltender Cory Schneider has a 3-2 record, with a 2.18 goals-against average and a 0.936 save percentage in his last five starts.

Forward Marty Murray has picked up four points (1-3-4) in his last four games.

Forward Sergei Shirokov has picked up four points (2-2-4) in his last five games.

Additional Reading: http://themattressline.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/moose-update-for-the-week-of-022810-030610/

Shirokov's goal helps Moose eke out OT win over Griffins

The inconsistent Manitoba Moose are back on the winning track.

The Moose snapped a two-game losing streak with a 2-1 overtime win over the Grand Rapids Griffins in AHL action on Saturday night at Van Andel Arena. Mario Bliznak, celebrating his 23rd birthday, potted the winner with 1:05 left in the extra frame.

Continue Reading: http://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/2010/03/07/13140556.html

Sergei Shirokov Gets 19th Goal of The Season In 3-1 Win

Sportstelegram.com 3-3-2010 "Great White North not kind to Sharks Sharks bow at Winnipeg, 3-1"

After T.J. Trevelyan scored his 17th goal, the Manitoba Moose scored three unanswered goals and posted a 3-1 victory last night at the MTS Centre. It was the Sharks’ first game in Canada since they moved to Worcester for the 2006-2007 season.

Logan Couture and Benn Ferriero assisted on Trevelyan’s power-play goal in the first period. Sergei Shirokov and Pierre-Cedric Labrie put the Moose up, 2-1, in the second period and Matt Pope concluded the scoring off a rebound at 15:54 of the third. Alex Stalock made 16 saves for the Sharks, who lost their third game in a row. Cory Schneider, a former Boston College standout, made 34 saves for the Moose.

Sergei's goal on Tuesday gives him 19 for the season and 39 total points.

Sergei Shirokov #6 Vancouver Canuck Prospect Spring 2010

Hockey Boards 2/26/2010

6. Sergei Shirokov, LW – Manitoba Moose (AHL)
Acquired: 6th round (163 overall), 2006
10 March 1986, 5’ 10", 175 lbs

Currently second on the Moose in scoring, and for the most part, Sergei Shirokov hasn’t looked out of place in his first professional North American season. However, after starting 2010 at close to a point a game pace with five goals and six assists in 13 January games, it does appear as though he seems to have hit a bit of a wall, as February has proven to be far less fruitful. In eight games so far, the speedy winger has potted only one goal on 14 shots.

Earlier in the season, he was called up and appeared in six games with the Canucks; but his point production went the opposite direction of his promotion, and he was held off the scoreboard. He only managed four shots and was a -4 in his brief tenure.

On a more positive note, he was named to the PlanetUSA All-Star Team for the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic, and scored two goals on two shots in the game. In a nice move, the Russian Hockey Federation invited Shirokov out to Vancouver to take in some of the Olympic action on February 21 and 22nd. It will be interesting to see if being around players of that ilk will impact Shirokov’s play in any way.

Sergei Shirokov Scores 18th of The Season as Moose Beat Aeros

OSC February 25, 2010

The Manitoba Moose topped the Houston Aeros 3-2 on Thursday night to close-out their four-game regular season series against the club at the Toyota Center. Manitoba finished with an even 2-2-0-0 record against Houston this campaign. Sergei Shirokov, Michael Grabner and Pierre-Cedric Labrie all notched goals for the Moose while Cory Schneider stopped 26 of 28 shots in his 25th victory this season.

To view the OSC article in its entirety, please visit this link.

Shirokov Scores In Return From Trip To Vancouver

Manitoba Moose winger Sergei Shirokov connected for his 17th goal of the season in a 4-3 loss to Toronto on Wednesday night. The 2010 AHL All Star was returning from a trip to Vancouver on behalf of the Russian Olympic Federation.

THE VISIT: Sergei Shirokov at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as a guest of the Russian delegation.

THE VISIT: Moose forward Sergei Shirokov spent Sunday and Monday at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as a guest of the Russian delegation.

“They wanted him to be part of those surroundings,” said Arniel. “It was a nice gesture by the Russian federation.”

Sergei Shirokov's Impressive Season Continues

Sergei Shirokov continued to shine with the AHL Manitoba Moose as the Russian winger scored on Wednesday night against the Toronto Marlies. The 2010 AHL All Star has looked impressive all year and has 17 goals and 35 points for the season.

Coming Down The Pipe!: Sergei Shirokov Buzz Worthy Prospect

Check out Guy Flamings 2-10-2010 post on Vancouver Canucks Prospects

Buzz Worthy: Sergei Shirokov
Manitoba Moose (AHL)
HT: 5'10 WT: 175 Lbs Stats: 50GP 16-18-34 Pts

Was it much ado about nothing? Sergei Shirokov's arrival in North America had Cancuks fans giddy with excitement but when he failed to make the NHL roster out of camp that buzz was reduced to a tremor. Still, Shirokov has played well on the farm and earned his spot at the AHL All-Star game where he scored two of Planet USA's 9 goals in a 10-9 loss. There's no question that the player is talented and in the long run, a stint in the AHL might prove to have been the best thing for him. Considering the growing trend of Russians returning to their homeland rather than playing in the AHL, one has to wonder what would happen next year if Shirkov again fails to crack the NHL roster. There's also a 20-pound difference between the AHL and NHL roster reports for the Russian's.

Shirokov Shines In January: Nominated For Reebok-AHL Rookie of The Month

Sergei Shirokov capped off a fabulous month by being nominated as a Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month. The winger from Russia has been playing great all year, as 16 goals and 34 points for the season and was selected to this year's AHL All Star Game. To find out more about Sergei's nomination and other fellow nominees for the month of January, please visit this link.

Sergei Shirokov Scores Twice In 6-4 Win

Prospect Sergei Shirokov scored twice in the first period to lead the AHL's Manitoba Moose over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 6-4. The Moscow native Shirokov leads all Moose scorers with 16 goals and 33 points and is tied for fourth in AHL rookie scoring. The win on Saturday ended a six game losing streak for Manitoba.