Russian hockey schools annually graduate many talented hockey players, who then replenish the national team. Kulikov Dmitry at such a young age is already one of the leading players in the team from Florida and his team.
Carier start
Kulikov Dmitry Vladimirovich was born in Lipetsk in 1990. His father also used to play hockey. Dmitry began to learn to skate at 3 years old. Together with him, his twin sister began to tame the ice. At first they went to the figure skating section together. And at the age of 5 years, the boy moved to hockey, despite the fact that the set was among the ages that were 2 years older than him. In the Lipetsk sports school, this talented hockey player was engaged until the age of 12. And after a year he moved to Yaroslavl. He lived and trained in a sports boarding school. Local coaches did not discern the talent in this player and at the end of the school year parted with him, believing that the young man is not suitable for professional sports. After that, Kulikov continued his career in the children's club "Rus". There he managed to show his capabilities. Coaches of the youth and youth team immediately began to follow him. Kulikov Dmitry Vladimirovich eventually returned to Lokomotiv again. This time he came as a player of the second team.
Career Overseas
This defender failed to break into the main team, and in 2008 he went to the Canadian club Drummondville Voltizhurs. The first season for Kulikov was very successful. In 2009, Dmitry in the first issue of the draft hit the Florida Panthers club. No more Russians were chosen in this round. Kulikov immediately got a great chance. After the draft, he spent 9 games for the “Florida Panthers”. This club could leave Dmitry for another year at Drummondville. But the specialists from the “Florida Panthers” liked him, and they decided to leave the young hockey player. Dmitry repeatedly stated in an interview that playing in the NHL is a dream of his life and he does not plan to play in the KHL. This quarterback made his official debut for the Florida Panthers club in 2009 against Chicago Blackhawks. Having shown himself well at the beginning, Dmitry Vladimirovich Kulikov went out on the ice throughout the season. The team as a whole failed. At the end of the season, Florida was in 28th place in the standings. But Kulikov, thanks to his game, received an invitation to play for the main team. His game at the World Cup in 2010 was noted by sports professionals. No one expected such a quick progress from this young defender. After the onset of a lockout in the NHL, Kulikov was forced to return to his homeland. He joined the Yaroslavl “Locomotive”. Immediately after the completion of the lockout, Kulikov Dmitry Vladimirovich returned to the Florida Panthers. In 2014, this club signed a contract with Kulikov for 3 years. But this defender did not play the whole term. In 2016, the Florida Panthers included it in exchange with the Buffalo Sabers.
Career for the national team
Kulikov, despite his young age, has a wealth of international experience. For the first time, Dmitry Kulikov, a high-class hockey player, took part in the Junior World Championship in 2007. At this tournament, our team won gold medals. In 2008, the success of our junior team could not be repeated. She was defeated in the finals, thereby winning only silver medals. At these junior championships Dmitry Kulikov (hockey player) scored a total of 6 points. In 2009, he took part in the youth world championship. On it, our team won bronze medals. Then Kulikov’s performances overseas were noticed by the coach of the main team and invited this talented defender to the team. He played at the final stage of Euro Hockey Tour, and then took part in the World Cup in Germany. Kulikov at this tournament was the youngest player in the Russian team. Nevertheless, he played 9 games and gave 2 assists. Everyone considered our team a clear favorite. But she unexpectedly lost in the final of the Czech national team. Thus, Kulikov became the silver medalist of the World Cup. After he again took part in the world championship, which was held in Slovakia. On it, he managed to score 3 points. But this did not help the Russian team win medals. She became the fourth in the championship.
Athlete Strengths
Kulikov is a universal hockey player. He plays well on defense. But it is also suitable for playing in the majority, as it has a strong throw. Many Western experts compare him with Sergei Gonchar because of the power style of the game.
Personal life
Not often talks about what does not apply to sports, Dmitry Kulikov. The personal life of the star is of interest to many fans. Dmitry's chosen one is Emily Olsson. She is from Sweden. The wedding of this couple was held in Miami. Until this long-awaited moment, they had known each other for 5 years. Emily even during the lockout she lived with her chosen one in Yaroslavl.
Kulikov is one of the brightest Russian young players. The main thing is that he does not stop working and becomes one of the best defenders of the NHL. Numerous fans around the world know such a hockey player as Dmitry Kulikov. His biography on the ice arena, however, did not always develop successfully.