Vladimir Tkachev, the forward for Traktor Chelyabinsk, offered a candid glimpse into the reading life that fuels his focus on and off the ice. His selections reveal how a professional athlete balances sport with literature, keeping the mind sharp and curious beyond the rink.
He emphasizes a strong leaning toward the works of Alexei Petrovich Sitnikov. Three books have already appeared in his lineup, and he is currently engrossed in the opening title, Karmalogic. The narrative captivates him with its blend of fate and practical life lessons as conveyed by the author. Tkachev also championed Zarina Asfari’s Being a Genius, a volume that surveys painting and the so-called masters who formed art across generations. His interest stretches into spiritual writings connected with outdoor exploration, including hiking and mountaineering, signaling a habit of drawing insights from nature as well as verse and prose. He praises the breadth of modern literature in print, noting how each title encourages readers to grow in new directions and to apply lessons to daily life, training routines, and competitive sport. His reading philosophy reflects discipline, creative exploration, and the ongoing pursuit of personal improvement, both on the ice and away from it.
In the professional timeline, Tkachev has been part of Traktor since 2021. His career traces back to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, where he played from 2019 to 2021, and before that he spent seven seasons with Ak Bars Kazan beginning in 2012. This progression marks a steady ascent through the ranks of Russian hockey, characterized by development, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges at each stage.
On the international stage, Tkachev has worn the colors of the Russian national team with distinction. He earned a silver medal at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games and captured a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2017. These achievements underscore his contribution to his country at the sport’s highest levels and reflect years of dedication to the craft and its discipline.
During the current Continental Hockey League season, Tkachev has appeared in 46 games, contributing 10 goals and 23 assists. His numbers illustrate steady production and the ability to create scoring chances for teammates, reinforcing his role as a dynamic playmaker who can both finish plays and set others up for success.
The broader league landscape continues to evolve, with CSKA Moscow emerging as the latest Gagarin Cup champion in this cycle. This victory adds another chapter to the ongoing story of top teams competing for supremacy, highlighting the depth of talent and strategic depth across the league and the country’s rich hockey culture. The season has also featured dramatic overtime moments that have shaped recent results, including a memorable clash where Dinamo defeated Spartak in overtime during a KHL matchup. These games illustrate the intensity and competitiveness that define Russian hockey and keep fans engaged game after game, season after season.