Happy Birthday, Kovy

posted by Mike Boone at 21h54 EST on Feb 23


kovalev_62085.jpg

It's Feb. 24 already in Togliatti, the small town 1,000 km southeast of Moscow where Alexei Kovalev was born 36 years ago.

Kovalev began to play organized hockey when he was seven. Competing against players three years older, the Artiste began to develop the self-preservational evasive moves that have endeared him to Canadiens' fans.

By the age of 14, Kovy's talent had been spotted and he was whisked off to the development camp of Moscow Dynamo.

Four years later, he became the first Russian player selected in the first round of an NHL draft, 15th overall by the Rangers.

The rest, we know.

Here's some things you may not know:

• Kovy missed the birth of his second son to play in the seventh game of the 2004 playoff series against Boston. He scored a goal in the game that eliminated the Bruins.

• He flies a five-seat Cessna 414 and also has a helicopter pilot's licence.

• In addition to sponsoring the Kovy's Kids loge at the Bell Centre, he has paid for Dr. Suzanne Vobecky, a pediatric heart surgeon at Ste. Justine Hospital, to train doctors in Russia. (Kovy had heart problems as a child).

My personal favourite Alex Kovalev fact: He plays the saxophone.

And if you've seen this enigmatic genius play hockey, you know Kovy's style is a lot closer to Coltrane than to Kenny G.

A very intelligent and hugely complex man. Neil Smith, who was GM of the Rangers when they drafted Kovalev, describes him as a "wild child who does his own thing" and cannot subordinate his style to a system.

Maybe the system has to adapt to him.

Leaving the Bell Centre after the Ottawa game, I heard an astute observation  from a veteran hockey writer.

"It's easy," he said, " to coach Tom Kostopoulos."

 

 




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AlexKovalevAK27's picture
Submitted by AlexKovalevAK27 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 20:22.
HAPPY B-DAY KOVY.... WERE ALL BEHIND YOU...

edithcanning's picture
Submitted by edithcanning on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 20:53.
life long hockey history in my family. mother playde prof. hockey at forum in the 30's. Wondering why these women were not mentioned in the 100th festivities. happy birthday Kovi

HAB-PROFESSOR's picture
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 16:55.
"Maybe the system has to adapt to him. "....well said Boone.... I hope the Habs re-sign him and he plays out his days here. We are the only NHL organization that is suited to house a talent of his lineage. also, don't underestimate the connection he has with Gainey. It is now on record that Kovy will only open up to Gainey, so kudos to BG for being multi dynamic.... ----- "...there are indications that the severest phase of the recession is over..." Harvard Economic Society, Jan 18, 1930

SlovakHab's picture
Submitted by SlovakHab on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 13:40.
Happy birthday, Alex! But honestly, HIO fellas, there are too many great players in this league that I would like to have on our team instead of Kovalev. I think he's overrated.

Chorske's picture
Submitted by Chorske on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 12:24.
It's the artistic temperament. Trick is, people put up with the temperament only so long as the art is good. When the art falters, that temperament is merely irritating. I am thrilled Kovy is re-energized and I hope he can sustain this new joy for the game into the post-season. He is a pleasure to watch when he's on his game. Agree that the saxophone adds to his general coolness. ______________________________________________________________ Il faut commencer avec le travail, et finir avec le talent. BG

Submitted by yehaken on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 07:29.
That is a great last line. LLOHJ?

Chuck's picture
Submitted by Chuck on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 05:43.
Kovalev strikes me as a very intelligent person. Heck, he plays hockey on a plane that very few of us can understand. However, one characteristic of brilliant minds is that they bore easily. Yes, everything that they attempt is approached with the highest dedication and passion, but the sheer easiness in which they can accomplish tasks constantly has their minds roaming elsewhere for stimulation. There's a reason why Edison invented far more than the light bulb and phonograph. They also have difficulty accepting that people around them don't (and can't) hold themselves to the same high standards, simply because they don't possess the same skill sets. It would seem as though Bob understands this, as evidenced by Kovy's re-dedication to his hockey performance. Let's hope that #27's genius can help guide the Habs to the Promised Land! Happy birthday, Alex!

Habitant in Surrey's picture
Submitted by Habitant in Surrey on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 04:31.
...you can talk about all the complexities and wonderful human characteristics you want about Alexei Kovalev ...but the bottom-line, as far as the Montreal Canadiens are concerned, is whether he is 'an asset' or 'a burden' to the success of Our Team ...flying a helicopter is irrelevant ...using his great skill with a passion to score and WIN is relevant ...fighting through the tight checking that ALL great players have to persevere to reach the net and do WHAT IT TAKES IS relevant ...if he does THAT, then I will put his poster in my son's room and feel content that he is a Montreal Canadien ...and I don't mean ...'Now & Then' ! ...lets see how he finishes this season BEFORE building his statue in Centennial Square Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049

Submitted by Richrebellion on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 04:02.
The one thing that really got about him is that he missed his sons birth for game 7 against boston! Wow alot of people think kovy has no heart and could care less about his team! Well that showed everyone this guy wants to win and has a lot of heart!

t1tan5's picture
Submitted by t1tan5 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 03:17.
I think Kovy is the type of guy that strives to become great at whatever he picks up. Be it the sax, piloting planes, playing other sports, dedicating time and money to good causes, Kovy tries to be the best at whatever he does. He is a man for all seasons. Happy Birthday!

Montrealer2's picture
Submitted by Montrealer2 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 02:48.
Submitted by Montrealer2 on Fri, 02/20/2009 - 01:48. I am now seeing more distrust in this management style,what hapenned to ,being the best you can be,,,,,,We've ruined Carey Price to the point where ,we may as well trade him now,while other GM's think we've gone crazy & they are stealing a FRANCHISE Saviour,.....let them have him now ,While we can still get a large return (aka) larger forwards (who know where to shoot without a GPS) .........and maybe a D man who can backcheck ,but also knows when to make the transition & go the other way.......We have a terrible group of players who don't seem to Rememeber when to change direcxtion,.they float around 'looking' for someone to pass the puck to.....whatever happpened to bringing the puck out of your own end & trying to 'maintain' control of the puck in all ends of the rink, If you've got the puck & your headed in the right direction ,then you cannot lose.....If you Lose the Puck while being aggressive ,then you skate backwords till you regain puck control ,& Go the other Friggin Way,.............and shoot at the net.........NO BIG SECRET.... Watch DETROIT Videos if you want to Understand transition games,......... Watch NJ if you want to understand Defensive games......Is this a big secret? If it is then let's the secret 'out of the bag'............Control the Puck Always ,attack always .Defend always....... Rememeber the cardinal rules ,from the old days ( Remember when we WON more then LOST)..Cardinal Rules ,....SKATE. PASS. SHOOT (at the net) Please it's a simple game ,that doesn't need to be mad ecomplicated by 'systems' aka : Traps.....etc etc .Every GOOD TEAM in HOCKEY has always played a 'Transition game' that means when you have the puck,..head for the other guys net & try to score..........as soon as you lose the puck ,start heading back the other way,....Remember 'backcheck' and always Remember .If You Have the Puck,then THEY CAN"T SCORE.... .........Now trade Price , Fire Carbo & Stop Buying Poutine .....hahahaha reply

Submitted by PRICEBERG (not verified) on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 10:21.
I agree about the Price thing though. This is the year Price should have come up to the big club. An extra year in Hamilton would have made a ton of difference to his Development .... Montreal does Mismanage alot of young and older players. Carbo can say what he want's to the Media, but he has lost his confidence in Price, Carbo didn't want Price up in the first place. If he could Carbo would have Price shipped down to Hamilton so fast it would have tore the pavement off the 401. Price was forced down Carbo's throat by Gainey. Will Gainey will pay for his mistake or will Price overcome this ???

Submitted by Richrebellion on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 03:51.
WOW this is the worst analysis of the game of hockey i have ever seen! This makes no sense at all! Tansition has nothing to do with skating all the way until you lose the puck its about passing! Price is a star goalie everyone can see that so im glad your not the gm or anywhere close to it! Hes in a slump happens to all players! I have nothing else to say but are you high? If so what you on because i want some!

Montrealer2's picture
Submitted by Montrealer2 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 14:20.
You don't have to agree,but you probably haven't watched first hand many Habs games,.your probably not used to winning on a regular basis,listen to older Habs ,even Yvan Cournyer the other day mentioned that a slump in those days was 2-3maybe 4 loss's,(one season they only los 8,the next 9) ...Your used to seeing teams with one main player, Teams used to have plenty of 20 goal scorers and a few like Shutt hit 60,prior to the Gretzk days,.....Now this prsent day Habs team is at best medicore,so taking advantage of Price's saleability (before it drops too low,possibly) If Montreal could get some forward strength (also in the way of an offensive D-man )they would be a far better team, than a team that on many nights relied solely on it's Goaltender,....Don't forget even when ST Patrick was on the team the hAbs only won 2 cups and at that they were 7 years apart and NONE since then. So I think the Habs could use more of the old way of playing , than the dreamworld you sem to be in. Again I know you don't agree,(your probably what 15 16 maybe) but when all you can do is some up your feelings with a knock about being high ,cause you don't agree tells me one thing your head is maybe not on crack,but perhaps in one.

D Alcorn's picture
Submitted by D Alcorn on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 01:46.
Originally posted Feb 22 : I was super pleased to see Kovalev have the strong game yesterday vs Ottawa. I can only surmise that the pressure to play within / conform to any system would eventually take a toll on anyone with his instinctive talents. He is just so s l i c k , and my boys just love watching him. Quick Kovalev story : At the autograph session during all-star weekend, he was one of the last players thru to work the red carpet. My boys were thrilled to get his signature and, from where I was watching, his entire demeanour said that he fully intended to do exactly the same for anyone / everyone else who was willing to wait. He has commented recently about the support he receives from fans in Montreal, and I get the sense that it really means something to him. From all accounts, there is substance in his occasional dialogues with BG that provides him with an occasional shot in the arm. In other words, he is a real guy who benefits from a boost every now and then. Frankly, nothing would please me more than to see him end his career right here in Montreal. Bonne Fête Alexei ! Always Habs - Dave Mex

Montrealer2's picture
Submitted by Montrealer2 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 02:50.
I knew we'd seen this before............lol. They both make sense.

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 01:35.
February 24th 1103 - Emperor Toba of Japan 1500 - Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor 1866 - Pyotr Nikolaevich Lebedev, Russian physicist 1874 - Honus Wagner, American baseball player 1914 - Ralph Erskine, British architect 1921 - Abe Vigoda, American actor(Detective Sgt. Phil Fish) 1955 - Steve Jobs, American computer pioneer 1956 - Eddie Murray, American baseball player 1968 - twocents, Renowned, yet humble, HI/O poster 1971 - Brian Savage, Former Montreal Canadiens winger 1972 - Manon Rhéaume, Canadian female ice hockey player 1973 - Alexei Kovalev, Immensely Talented Montreal Canadiens Winger Happy Birthday Alexei!

SlovakHab's picture
Submitted by SlovakHab on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 13:42.
Happy birthday, twocents!!!

Chorske's picture
Submitted by Chorske on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 13:05.
Huh, I never realized that Kovy is three years younger than I am. I'm trying to decide which is more impressive: how young he is to have accomplished so much, or how much valuable veteran experience he brings in this "new" young NHL. Man. He is so young. Like Tom Lehrer used to say: "It is a sobering thought, for example, that when Mozart was my age he had been dead for two years." ______________________________________________________________ Il faut commencer avec le travail, et finir avec le talent. BG

Submitted by Yeats on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:28.
Abe Vigoda, a.k.a. Sal Tessio. Man, his line in the final portion of The Godfather could apply to Carbo: "Tom (Bob), can you get me off the hook? For old times' sake?"

arcosenate's picture
Submitted by arcosenate on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:06.
Ah, Fish, the brownies episode of Barney Miller is still one of the funniest TV shows ever.

arcosenate's picture
Submitted by arcosenate on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:08.
Vigoda was said to have died a few years ago on Entertainment Tonight, his response: http://www.abevigoda.com/

Mike Boone's picture
Submitted by Mike Boone on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 07:49.
Hmmmmmm ... Steve Jobs, eh?

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:42.
Yeah, Eddie Murray and Fish too! ;-)

Kevin's picture
Submitted by Kevin on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 01:20.
Happy birthday kovy!

Y's picture
Submitted by Y on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 01:16.
I think I'm gonna celebrate Kovalev day by ordering myself a Volga girl.

_koopy_'s picture
Submitted by _koopy_ on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 01:07.
happy birthday kovy

Wayne's picture
Submitted by Wayne on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:49.
Алексей, С Днем Рождения! ________________________________________________________________ "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Don't put it out."

Submitted by go.habs.go on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:45.
KOVY KOVY KOOOOOVYYYYYYY!

Willy the bum's picture
Submitted by Willy the bum on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:42.
A great birthday to MR. KOVALEV! P.S. a map from a Russian mail-order bride site? Wha? ---------- "Old-time hockey?" - Steve Hanson (Slap Shot)

Mike Boone's picture
Submitted by Mike Boone on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 07:46.
It's what came up when I Googled Togliatti

zamboni's picture
Submitted by zamboni on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 08:25.
This would have been more appropriate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolyatti Though less dramatic or fun.

Mike Boone's picture
Submitted by Mike Boone on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:26.
Thanks. Changed it.

Gary320's picture
Submitted by Gary320 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:27.
Happy Birthday Kovy. I wish you three hat tricks on your birthday.

Montrealer2's picture
Submitted by Montrealer2 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:43.
Interesting the similarity's btwn: Lafleur & Kovy ie: on the ice, Guy was not one to play in a system,He needed to do his own thing,same as Kovy. Almost too bad everyone relates a 'system' to what amounts to nothing more than a 'trap style' but the great teams of the past & present always played a sort of trap,but they didn't have a name for it yet,.It's really the 'transition' game,like we've mentioned before,.If you don't have the puck,you go about getting it back,which is trapping ,then get the puck off the opposition & immediately head the other way,with Skating , Passing, & of course when possible Shooting at the net,.......unfortunatley ,the teams as they got watered down to roughly one player ,being head & shoulders above the rest,(thanks to expansion)instead of an over all well balanced team..in hockey markets that appreciate them.but that is what caused coach's to primarily go into 'systems aka: trap ' mode,they would rather change an offensive talented player into a mindless robot ,doing what the Coach wants almost by hypnotic suggestion,......Think of when we all love a game or think of a game as a good one,.Our team is flying ,passing skating , and they all look talented,that's what good players can do,'elevate aa teamates play' becuase they know where everyone will be,,,,,Imagine how frustrating it is ,for Talent to be forced into playing to less than his capabilty's .................Just a thought,but perhaps Carbo should watch some old Habs tapes ,until he's brainwashed.. Jacgues Lemaire was guilty of stifling Lafleur, ( Scotty let him do his own thing & Scotty knew how to get the best from GUY),.cause he knew the rest of the guys would pick up the slack,but when your streaking winger is flying down the wing and burying the puck & lighting the lamp,then you don't critique him, or send him home for two days,blaming everything on him,one player does not a team make. I'm happy to think that Kovy has bounced back, but 1 game is not a season,maybe Carbo will now know to let Kovy show his talent,reign him back in when need be,but at least learn to utilise your best tools.

Submitted by Richrebellion on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 03:59.
Once again there is way more talent in the nhl today then in the entire history of the game! So many players capable of scoring thats why there is less scoring not because of traps! If you didnt trap scores wud get ridiculous like 20-22! If players dont hang back then the talented players like kovy, ovechkin, crosby and others wud score so much easier! Teams dont wanna play run and gun hockey and hope to outscore their opponent! Thats not how you win games but i guess a random blogger on a site wud know more then all of hockeys experts!

gfunkdoc's picture
Submitted by gfunkdoc on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:59.
I had to see it with my own eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ1ept1Mbs0

Kristopher7's picture
Submitted by Kristopher7 on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:26.
wow, the man is talented in more ways than one.

Kwanzaa..'s picture
Submitted by Kwanzaa.. on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:24.
omg!

phillyhab's picture
Submitted by phillyhab on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:21.
wow.

Submitted by MissCrazyBanana on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:59.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE VERY TALENTED MR. KOVALEV ♥♥♥♥ Agreed with Timo on how awesome this guy is and how he is making a difference in society and putting money in the right places :)

MikeL's picture
Submitted by MikeL on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:53.
Great writeup Boone, but I think Richard Zednik scored the game winner against the Bruins that year. Kovy took the puck around the net, tried to wrap it around, and Zednik roofed it midway through the third period. Then I think he scored again in the empty net, making it 2-0. The only reason I remember so well was because I wrote an exam that night and got back to watch just before the goal was scored.

solsub's picture
Submitted by solsub on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:31.
Happy birthday Kovalev!

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:27.
Lol... I like that fact about him... saxophone. Here is a guy using his money to spend time productively and better himself and the societ rather than blowing it on cars, hookers and booze. Too bad brothers don't take that example from him. Anyway, Happy Birthday, tovarisch Kovalev.

Submitted by sam on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:50.
aw, leave 'em (and please include every other young NHL player. thanks).

solsub's picture
Submitted by solsub on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 23:33.
So true.

Harani's picture
Submitted by Harani on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 22:59.
Wish you a very Happy Birthday Kovy! P.S. I play the saxophone too but not hockey!

Submitted by Number31 on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 22:39.
Happy Birthday Kovy!!! <3

Sbah Reverof's picture
Submitted by Sbah Reverof on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 22:39.
Saxomaphone? Never a dull moment in Kovyland. Dad, can we keep him? Can we?