Slava Voynov received a write-up in the New York Times’ Olympic Preview as part of a collection of individuals, grouped by country, who will be looking to build a name for themselves at the upcoming Sochi Games.
Voynov, Russia’s representative, warranted a description as “a pesky agitator” before his offensive credentials were referenced. It’s interesting that a national media representative astutely acknowledged that his value goes well beyond his efforts to put points on the board.
With Russia’s roster featuring the N.H.L. stars Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, and the best of the Kontinental Hockey League, it is tempting to overlook Voynov, a young, offensive-minded defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings.
But there may be no player more crucial to Russia’s gold medal hopes than Voynov, a standout talent on the team’s otherwise thin defense.
A pesky agitator with keen offensive awareness, Voynov, who turned 24 in January, is already in the midst of his ninth professional season.
The feature relied on quite a few hockey players. David Krejci represented the Czech Republic, Ralfs Freibergs represented Latvia, and Gabriel Landeskog represented Sweden.
New York Times: Don’t Know Them? Wait
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