St. Louis Blues prospect, Ivan Barbashev had a strong first professional season with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL), tallying 10 goals and 18 assists in 65 games. Although the 6’0, 178 pound power forward had a lot to learn this year, Barbashev is using his developmental time wisely and is determined to take his game to the next level.
Barbashev was born in Moscow, Russia and started skating when he was three years old. Barbashev reflects, “My parents got my older brother Sergei into a hockey program at school and then when it was my turn they sent me there as well.” Sergei Barbashev, who now plays in the KHL for Admiral Vladivostok has always been a major influence on his younger sibling. “For me he was like a coach and always helped me.”
The bloodline doesn’t end there in the Barbashev family as younger brother Max, 12, currently plays for Dynamo Moscow. “For now he plays there, we will see where he will play in the future as he’s really good,” noted Ivan.
Barbashev notes that the minor hockey system in Russia differs significantly from the minor hockey system in North America. “You start training with kids born in the same year as you right away, and you are with them until approximately 16 years old,” explained Barbashev. “After 16, players get drafted to MHL teams.”
During the 2011-12 season, Barbashev played 38 games for the MHL team MVD Balashikha. In 2012, he was drafted first overall by the Moncton Wildcats from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. He then decided to move to Canada to pursue his professional career.”
“My family as well as my Agent and I thought long and hard about what was best for me and my development. We collectively decided that the style of hockey in the CHL better suited my game.”
When asked to describe the difference between Russia’s MHL and Canada’s CHL systems, Barbashev responded, “It’s two different types of hockey. At 16 years old I played in the MHL and it was difficult. In the CHL it’s a different game based on physical play as opposed to the MHL style of tactical play. My strength lies in the physical game and that’s why playing in the CHL better suited me.”
Prior to departing Russia for North America, Barbashev was making a name for himself on the International stage, having won gold at the 2012 Under -17 Hockey Challenge to go along with a fifth place finish at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament for Team Russia.
Later he would suite up for Russia at the 2013 and 2014 World Junior Hockey Championships, capturing a bronze medal in 2014, as well as a silver medal at the 2015 World Hockey Championship
“Playing for the National team is always amazing. You are playing for and representing your Country. I’ll always remember and cherish those experiences and hope there are more of those opportunities to come.”
The 2012-13 season was Barbashev’s first in the CHL and first in North America. In 68 games he recorded 62 points with the bulk of his points coming from assists (44 assists and 18 goals). While he enjoyed success on the ice, the transition to North American hockey did not come easy for him. “I did not speak any English. It took a year just to learn to communicate normally.”
Barbashev went on to play three seasons in Moncton, recording a whopping 95 points (45-50-95) in only 57 games during his final year. He reflected on what he remembered most from that time. “There are a lot of good things I remember; in my first year we had a very good team. We were supposed to go all the way that season but we ended up getting upset in the first round of the playoffs. Another highlight was playing with my close friend Dmitri Jaskin who now plays for St. Louis. In my final season in Moncton, we also had a great team. It was a lot of fun to play with those teammates.”
Barbashev likes the physical nature of the game to go along with a keen sense of vision on the ice. “I enjoy the physical style of hockey. I also think it’s my vision of the ice, ability to make quick decisions, and my speedy reaction time that are my greatest strengths. Also I learned how to shoot the puck really well. In my third year in Moncton I scored 45 goals. Similar to Ilya Kovalchuk’s style, I love to one time the puck. Those are my favorite goals.”
Barbashev was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft after impressing upon Blues scouts and management who had their eye on one of his teammates. “The Blues were coming to watch Jaskin, this was during in my first year in Moncton. At that time he was already drafted by them. Besides that, the Blues scouting staff along with 30-40 other scouts from all over come and watch games. In Canada there are that many scouts at every game. That’s where the Blues noticed me.”
Since then, Barbashev has attended two St. Louis Blues training camps and has taken away some great learning experiences. “The first camp was difficult. I was really nervous and felt the pressure getting to me. I had an issue with my body mass. I spent the whole summer in St. Louis training in the gym. At the second camp I felt much better and more comfortable. Now I am gearing up for my third camp after a year of professional hockey experience, and feel much more motivated and confident.”
The 2015-16 season was his first with the Chicago Wolves where he learned a lot about what it takes to succeed at the professional level. “Overall, this first year of professional hockey was a great experience. I really like it here in Chicago. I can say that the AHL is a man’s game. Everyone is very professional and mature. At first playing here was hard and I needed to get used to the style of play. At the beginning of the year I would always watch tapes with the coaches. They would go over everything with me, to the smallest of details that as a player you have to pay attention to. By the mid-way mark of the season everything was going well. I learned a lot in my first year and now it’s about continuing to refine my game and hone in my skills.”
Barbashev also became familiar with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) after PHPA staff met with players from the Chicago Wolves during the annual Fall Enrollment Tour. “I didn’t know too much about the PHPA before this season, but am grateful for their services and the valuable information they give to players.”
Although his game improved over the course of the year there are still aspects that he pays close attention to. “I need to be more attentive when playing defensively, although I’m sure I have gotten a lot better in that regard. I’m much more confident now. I started the season playing center and was later put on both left wing and right wing. It’s challenging to change positions but I got used to it.”
Barbashev also commented on the mental toughness required at the professional level. “I understand that this is my career, and my future. I have to give it my all. On the team here in Chicago, I have a lot of great role models showing me how to prepare for games and I see how hard they work. When I first came here, I struggled with giving it my all night after night. One game would go well, the other not so much. The key is to mentally prepare yourself and remind yourself of your goals every day. That has really helped me.”
Now with the off-season in full swing, Barbashev is enjoying his brief time off before rigorously preparing for the season ahead. He is watching his Blues closely as they battle in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and dreaming about one day getting his chance. With a year of pro-experience under his belt, his dynamic skill set and powerful frame is sure to make an impact on Blues management come training camp.
Follow the author, Clarence Paller, on twitter @Cpaller10