Andrey Zyuzin is a talented hockey player. He spent most of his career playing outside his country. Therefore, the defender is almost unfamiliar to domestic hockey fans.
The beginning of a sports career
Andrei Zyuzin was born on January 21, 1978 in Ufa. He started football early. Andrew was a very gifted player. A boy trained with guys who were 3 years older than him. One day, Zyuzin's team went to the competition, but they did not take him, because he was still too small. Andrew was very upset because of this and decided to leave football. At the age of 8, he managed to persuade his father to take him to a local hockey school. School "Salavat Yulaev" has always occupied high places in junior tournaments. Therefore, Zyuzin had to work hard to meet the level. Over time, Andrei Zyuzin began to stand out among his peers. He began to be invited early to the professional team and the national team.
Professional career
At 16, Andrei made his debut for the Salavat Yulaev professional team, which plays in the Russian Super League. For three years, this defender played 103 games and scored 29 points. The young hockey player wanted to become the main player of “Salavat Yulaev” and then move to the legendary CSKA. But his life was different. After the junior world championships, Andrei Zyuzin firmly decided that he would go to play in the most powerful league in the world - the NHL.
Departure overseas
In the NHL draft, which took place in 1996, Andrei Zyuzin was selected under the second number by the San Jose Sharks club. But by agreement with his native club, he played out the current season in Russia. At the end of the season, this defender was recognized as the best in the Super League and, at the age of 19, went to conquer the most powerful league on the planet. At first, Andrei found it difficult to adapt to a new country. Arriving overseas, he did not know English. The guy was lucky that at that time Andrey Nazarov and Vitaliy Kozlov played for the club. They helped Zyuzin in every possible way: they translated the coach’s words and talked about the new country. During the time spent in the “San Jose Sharks”, Zyuzin Andrei spent 496 matches.
Continued NHL Career and Lockout
After superbly spent seasons in the “San Jose Sharks” Zyuzin Andrei lost his place in the composition. He began to look for himself in other NHL clubs. But more than two seasons in one club did not linger. In 2004, the NHL got a shutout, and all players began to disperse into other leagues. Andrei Zyuzin, an experienced hockey player, decided to return to Salavat Yulaev. In his native club, he spent 14 games, and then moved to Severstal. After completing the lockout, Zyuzin again went to play overseas. First, he spent two seasons at the Calgary Flames club, and then played in Chicago.
Relocation to Russia
After the formation of the KHL, many Russian players playing in the NHL began to return to their homeland. Zyuzin Andrey Yuryevich, like many, decided to return to Russia and play for the SKA team from the city of St. Petersburg. At that time, strong hockey players gathered in the club. However, the club failed to win the main trophy. In 2010, Andrei decided to move to Atlant. In a new club for himself, this defender also did not stay long.
Continuing a career and coaching
Zyuzin, after a year in Atlanta, left to play in Switzerland. But after a season he returned to his homeland. He could have completed his career, but decided to play in weaker leagues. First, he spent two seasons in the Tyumen club "Rubin", which performs in the VHL. In 2014, he went to play in Belarus. It was in this country that Zyuzin played his last games as a player. In 2015, Andrey joined the coaching staff of the Salavat Yulaev club. His experience will undoubtedly allow the Ufa club to achieve high results.
Team game
Andrei played for the national team at junior and youth tournaments. The debut for the national team took place in 1996. At the Junior European Championship, our team won gold medals. This tournament was very successful for Zyuzin - he became the best defender of the tournament. And also in 1996 and 1997, this defender took part in the youth world championships. In both championships, the Russian team won the bronze medal. For the adult team Zyuzin played the Eurotour at the first stage.
Personal life
Andrei has been married for quite some time. He met his wife Trisa at a party held by his friend and former teammate Andrei Nazarov. When Zyuzin returned to Russia, his wife and children followed him. Son Vanya went in the footsteps of his father. He loves hockey and dreams of becoming a professional hockey player.
Andrey Zyuzin during his long career has changed many clubs. However, in his hockey career there are no big victories. Especially in St. Petersburg: he was close to winning the Gagarin Cup, but the SKA team unexpectedly left in the playoffs. Zyuzin is currently trying to realize himself as a coach. Perhaps in this role he will be able to achieve high results.