KUCHIN FACTOR
Wolves’ forward ANDREY KUCHIN has been one of the main reasons that the
Wolves’ have improved their offensive output of late. The 19-year-old
Moscow native has scored four times and added five assists for 9 points in
his last 9 games.
Prior to that, the Wolves’ import recorded 2 goals and 7 assists for 9
points in 29 games. The 5’9″ forward looks to a number of reasons for his
recent success.
“It took me a while to adjust to the OHL and I knew that I needed to have
good second-half” notes Kuchin. “Our team struggled to score in the first
half, but I think our new forwards have really helped and it is more fun
to play when the team is winning.”
Kuchin has certainly shown more speed since returning after the 10 day
Christmas break in the schedule. “Going home helped me and I had lots of
rest” notes Kuchin. “I came back with more energy and I feel that my
skating is now where it should be. I really like the guys here and we
have a good team. I think we will do well in the second-half.”
Kuchin led the Chicago Steel of the USHL in scoring last season and the
Wolves used their CHL 1st-round import pick to select the skilled forward.
“I think Andrey needed time to adjust to the OHL speed and grind and I
think it took a physical toll on him” notes Wolves’ coach Trent Cull.
“Andrey has really picked up his game of late and is playing with more
speed and energy. There is no questionning his skill level. He is one of
the best puck distributors on our team. He just needed to pick-up his
overall game.”
Kuchin has also improved in the plus/minus department. He has recorded a
+1 rating in his last six games.
“Everyone likes playing with Kuch” notes Cull. “His passes are extremely
accurate and he can thread-the-needle. He is starting to shoot the puck
more and his goals in January are a testament to his shot accuracy and
quickness.”
Kuchin will be looking to build on a successful second-half Friday night
when the Russian forward and his teammates host the Barrie Colts at 7:30.
