Fashion Lighting Player Spotlight – Danny Zhilkin
Born in Moskva, Russia., eight-teen-year-old Danny Zhilkin was drafted 14th overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Prior to his time with the Storm the 6’2, 185lbs. left-handed forward played with the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA. In the 2021-2022 OHL season thus far, Danny has appeared in 35-games notching 11-goals and 17-assists.
HOW IT STARTED
Question: When and how did you become involved in hockey?
A: “When I was four years old my parents put me on the ice and signed me up for skating and since then it’s been part of my life every day.”
Q: Are there any players you style your game after, and if so, who?
A: “I would say Yevgeny Kuznetsov. I think we share the same speed and skill abilities. As well as the two-way game.
Q: Who would you say is your biggest support system?
A: “Definitely my parents. They’ve done so much for me and they spend so much time and money with the 6am practices and moving all the way to Canada so I could pursue my dream of playing hockey.”
HOW IT’S GOING
Q: How has your experience in Guelph been so far?
A: “It’s been amazing. Guelph is such a great city. It’s a great organization to be a part of. I’m hoping for another one or two years here.”
Q: How would you describe the energy of this year’s team?
A: “It’s amazing. We have such a young team with 15 first-year players. With us being one of the youngest teams in the league it’s been great. We play a fast game.
Q: What motivates you to work hard?
A: “Reaching my goals and hopefully one day giving back to my parents because they’ve done so much for me.”
LOOKING FORWARD
Q: What are you personally working on the most this season?
A: “Just getting better every single day. Hockey is not just on the ice, it’s what you do off the ice. So, trying to work mentally with sports psychologists so I can be 1% better every day.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: “Hopefully the NHL.”
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone pursuing an OHL career?
A: “Just work hard every single day and do the best you can. If you’re working hard someone is going to notice you.”
RANDOM RAPID FIRE
Q: Spotify or Apple music?
A: Apple music
Q: Jeans or sweatpants?
A: Sweatpants
Q: Tacos or wings?
A: Wings
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Switzerland
Q: What is your go-to cheat meal?
A: McDonald’s
Q: What is your favourite holiday?
A: Christmas
Q: What song would you sing at karaoke night?
A: Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon