When we last heard from Vladi Nikiforov, he was rehabilitating a badly sprained ankle and wondering what his future would hold. Good news: in the following post from Vladi you’ll read about how all his hard work and persistence has paid off with a two-way contract with the New York Islander’s organization.

After camp I was somewhat skeptical of what my future might bring.  Although, I know I played well, I also knew that getting injured right away didn’t help my chances.  But, it was a great experience overall.  I got to know a lot of guys through some team bonding.  We went to a Yankees game and everyone also participated in a game of paintball.

When I was approached to actually sign a contract, my agent said he had been talking back and forth with Garth Snow (NY Islanders GM) for awhile.  Finally, after camp the offer came.  The organization offered me a deal that I felt was a good opportunity to better my future and develop.  What I signed is a one year deal with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  It is actually called a 2-way contract, I belong to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, but they have the option of sending me to and from the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League.  I know that if I come to play everyday, I will find a home in Bridgeport and hope for a successful year.  My goal for this year is to focus on the little things.  I need to commit to a very strict schedule.  In particular, I’d like to develop better eating and sleeping habits.

Over the past month I have been getting my feet wet while skating in the company of many Islanders/Sound Tigers.  It has been a pretty interesting journey to say the least.  Just last week I found myself on a line between Bill Guerin and Doug Weight.  I am really looking forward to this season.  It is as what many refer to as “Living the Dream”.  Since the day I laced up my first pair of skates I have always dreamed about what it would be like to be a pro.

Well, the time has come and I’m about to find out.

Good luck, Vladi!