Hi, I’m Vladi Nikiforv and I was born in Villnuis, Lithuania, on October 7, 1987. When I was 3 years old my parents decided to move to America in search of a better life. I was left to my grandparents until the age of seven.

My hockey started very basic by attending public skating sessions with my father. My dad always believed that learning the importance of skating before stickhandling was the most important. In the beginning, I never used a stick. Years later, I’m able to look back and see how important skating was. I am not a very large player by any means. I stand at 5’6 and tip the scales at 147lbs. Skating is my game and I’ve learned that with my size, I have to use everything to my advantage. I played many years under my father who has coached nearly every team I’ve played for. He is my biggest influence and has taught me everything I know. My first experience away from my home and influential coach came 3 years ago when I left home to play in the OHL. My first two years were spent with the Barrie Colts. This past year I was involved in a nine player trade where I was acquired by the Sarnia Sting. Things were going so well I was in the top ten in points in the OHL, and then I received an elbow to the head and broke my jaw. I was out for the next fifteen games.

I have been invited to the St. Louis Blues rookie camp on June 23, 2008. Following that I will also be attending the New York Islanders Camp held on July 14, 2008. For the past two off-seasons I have trained at Bluestreak Sports Training–a proud member of Athletic Republic–in Hauppage, New York. Everyday I’m able to work out with players ranging from NHL experience to D1 College and prep school. My time spent there has greatly enhanced my strength and quickness; it is a great hockey environment.

I’ve always hoped to one day play in the NHL. I’ve come along way and I know that I still have along ways to go. This year I am focused on playing in the American Hockey League where Ill be able to play and develop. My goal is this summer is to become both as mentally and physically prepared as possible in efforts to take that next step in my future.

Thanks for reading. I hope you find my posts over the summer to be of interest.