Vasily Atanasov, a 21-year-old forward for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, shared how he spends his downtime and revealed his preferred Soviet film. His remarks also reflect a broader context for fans and bettors following KHL action.
He explained that, while he does not frequently rewatch classic cinema, New Year celebrations are often the moment when he revisits a particular old favorite, The Diamond Arm. Beyond the rink, he aims to clear his head from hockey duties by engaging in everyday activities such as housework, going to the cinema, and enjoying live performances like a circus show. He even mentioned visiting the Zapashny brothers in Nizhny Novgorod to experience wildlife and circus artistry, underscoring a commitment to well-rounded hobbies that balance sport with personal interests.
In the current regular season of the Kontinental Hockey League, Atanasov has appeared in 43 games and accumulated 39 points, with 19 goals and 20 assists. Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod sits in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, reflecting a competitive campaign for the club and its young talent. These numbers illustrate a player who contributes consistently across both scoring and playmaking, contributing to the team’s bid for a deeper playoff run.
The forward has represented Nizhny Novgorod since the 2022/23 season. His KHL debut occurred on September 3, 2022, in a home contest against Metallurg Magnitogorsk that ended 4-5. In September of that year, he earned recognition as the league’s best new player, amassing six points, including four goals and two assists, across twelve appearances. Earlier in his development, he was part of the Chaika youth project, a team formed around the Torpedo farm club, where he played a pivotal role in securing the 2023 Kharlamov Cup and finished as the leading goalscorer in the playoffs with ten goals.
Another notable note pertains to the broader hockey landscape, where a comparison to a famous NHL figure emerges in discussions of perseverance and scoring feats. The emphasis remains on how contemporary players mirror the impact of iconic stars while crafting their own legacy on the ice.