When Vladi Nikiforov last checked in, he was headed to camp with the New York Islanders. Well, it didn’t go exactly as planned, as you will see:

July 15

Looking back on camp with the Islanders, I have no regrets; I played to the best of my ability and did very well.  There was even an article featured on the Islanders Web site about me.  I felt strong and ready, very well prepared for what was to come.  But, what came next was something I never expected.  During our first scrimmage I stepped on the puck and rolled my ankle.  I was diagnosed with a very minor high ankle sprain.  It’s been a battle, but this is what it takes. 

August 4

I just returned to Bluestreak after taking a few weeks off to rehab and recover from my ankle sprain.  It feels great to be back.  We are now in our 10th week of training and are focusing on agility and balance in our lifts.  As the season grows closer, I realize how important this program has been from start to finish.  It is very tough (mentally and physically) having to take time away from training to nurse a bum ankle.  For the past 2-3 weeks I haven’t done much in regards to training so jumping right back in has had both positive and negative effects.  I guess you have to take the good with the bad.  On the plus side I’m back, feeling strong and my ankle feels great.  Feeling good, however, has never come with such a price.  I am very sore, especially in my legs.  After a couple skates, I can say that I feel good on the ice and my confidence is back.

I am not 100% sure of where I am going yet, but I think it is going to be with the Islanders.  I am pretty excited for next season wherever it may be, I just want to play.  Bluestreak has helped me a lot, especially getting prepared for the camps with the Blues and Islanders.  I will continue to train at Bluestreak until early September.  I’m really looking forward in weeks to come … anything can happen.