Five Andrei Markov facts

Experienced Russian national team defenseman Andrei Markov has been around the block a few times, and he is getting ready for the World Cup of Hockey with his teammates in Saint Petersburg. While he trains, read some facts about his highly successful ice hockey life:

Had to explain why he likes Russian cartoons

While undertaking an interview with Canadian television, Andrei was forced into admitting that he likes the Russian cartoon film "Nu, pogodi!". After mentioning that fact, Andrei had to explain just what happens in that cartoon, and why he likes it so much.

Scored a memorable goal

In the 1998/1999 Euro League final, Andrei's team HC Dynamo Moscow found themselves 0:1 down to Metallurg Magnitogorsk with just ten seconds on the clock. The odds looked stacked against the capital outfit, but when taking the puck up in his own zone, Andrei let a cannon go, and somehow his thunderbolt caught the away goaltender unawares! 

Despite that goal, Dynamo did eventually lose. After the match had eventually been completed, Andrei mentioned that he didn't mean to shoot on goal, and that he simply got lucky when dumping the puck to the opposing net.

Stays loyal

Andrei decided to make the move to the NHL a season after that goal, and since then, he has always been with the Montreal Canadiens. He has played 928 matches over fifteen seasons, and boasts 536 points to his name (113+423).

Interestingly, after he signed for Montreal all those years ago, Andrei has had 189 different teammates, three captains have changed, three owners have come and gone and he has worked with seven head coaches.

Played for Vityaz during the NHL lockout

When the NHL lockout occured in the 2012/2013 campaign, many were surprised by Andrei's choice to play for KHL strugglers HC Vityaz. When quizzed about the move, Andrei stated that Vityaz were the only club who made a concrete offer.

In that year, both Andrei and Daniil Markov were on Vityaz's books.

Was previously a forward

Andrei started out his career with HC Khimik, and he even tried his hand at being a forward. Looking at the statistics, he made the right decision by switching his focus on defence.

Tomorrow on the 8th of September, Andrei Markov will dress up for Russia in the friendly match against the Czech Republic inside the Yubileyny Arena, Saint Petersburg.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation