Five Nikita Nesterov facts

On the 18th of July, the Russian national team registered Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Here are some interesting facts about Nikita's career to date:

Has never competed for the main national team

At junior level, Nikita Nesterov was called up on a regular basis to the national side. He won three medals: bronze at the under 18 World Championship, and a bronze and silver at the World Junior Championship.

A strange turn of fortune prevented Nikita from making his KHL debut

While a player for HC Traktor Chelyabinsk's youth team Belye Medvedi, Nikita was called up to the main Traktor team on the 23rd of September 2010. Nikita went to the team's match day meeting, however didn't appear on the ice for the game. Reason? A spare black home jersey couldn't be found for him to wear.

Played as a centre forward during the Gagarin Cup final

During the 2012/2013 KHL playoffs, Nikita was in and out of the Traktor team. For the Gagarin Cup final, head coach Valery Belousov opted to make Nikita a centre forward in the fourth line. In that position, he even managed to tally up two points.

Prepares for seasons with a running coach

"My wife's grandfather is a running coach, and I asked him what I need to do in order to improve my quickness on the ice. He told me that I need to go back to the Soviet school of training, which included jumping on one leg and sprinting up hills. Because of this, I feel that I am getting faster, and it's easier for me to run. In the past, I didn't like to run at all," explained Nikita.

Plays better when under pressure

"Such guys like Nikita never give up. When he has more pressure, he plays better," revealed Jon Cooper, current Tampa Bay Lightning coach. Nikita didn't make it into the NHL immediately, but he didn't stop trying.

Nesterov Nikita Danilovich

Born on the 28th of March 1993

Playing career:

2009 - 2013 - Belye Medvedi

2011 - 2013 - Traktor Chelyabinsk

2014 - present - Tampa Bay Lightning

Career achievements:

2011 World under 18 Championship bronze medalist

2012 World Junior Championship silver medalist

2013 World Junior Championship bronze medalist

2012 Continental Cup winner

2012 KHL bronze medalist

2013 KHL silver medalist

Competed in the 2012 Challenge Cup

Russian Ice Hockey Federation