#LAKings WJC 2020: Checking In With Arthur Kaliyev at USA Hockey Camp (MayorsManor)
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Earlier today, we posted our latest interview with Kings prospect Alex Turcotte, as he prepares for the World Junior Championships. Now it’s time to shine a light on another selection from the top of LA’s 2019 Draft class and Turcottes likely linemate with Team USA – forward Arthur Kaliyev.
Few players will reach the Christmas break with as much momentum as Kaliyev. Sure, much has already been made of his impressive year in the OHL last season, where he posted 51 goals and 102 points. Somehow, hes managed to top that pace over the past few months, notching 31 goals and 31 assists in Hamiltons first 33 games.
As Kaliyev and an American crew of NHL hopefuls wrapped up their final day of WJC practice stateside, we caught up with the 18-year-old sniper via phone
MM: Were you given any sort of a defined role by Team USA coaches or other officials coming into this camp and/or what expectations did you have, if any?
There are a lot of great players here. Over these first couple of days, I think they want to sort things out and then I guess well see when we get closer to the tournament. The coaches have been speaking mostly to the team, rather than individually. Im just trying to play hard myself and play well in all three zones.
MM: Are you having any separation anxiety yet? Your linemate, Jan Janik, left Hamilton a few days before you to head to Europe for his own pre-tournament camp. We know how close you guys are.
Yeah, its pretty cool hell be with the Czech Republic. Im just trying to get some chemistry going with my linemates here. I think itll be a great experience playing with Team USA and seeing him on the other national team.
MM: How much time have you spent looking over the rosters for other countries, maybe trying to size up some of the teams youll be facing?
I just looked at Canadas roster once and thats all. I havent checked out the other nations yet.
MM: Any thoughts on playing Canada in Game 1 of the tournament on December 26?
I think its going to be fun. Everyone will be watching that one. Its going to be really competitive for both of our teams to try and win that first game. We dont have much time to warmup, so we have to be ready right off the get go.
MM: Have you made any adjustments in your game since attending the Summer Showcase with Team USA in August?
Im just trying to play a lot harder and be more focused in the defensive zone and neutral zone. Im trying to play great all around, not just trying to score and get points.
MM: Are any family members or friends going over to the Czech Republic to cheer you on?
I think just my parents will be going. Its a little far away.
MM: Previously, you told me you wanted to wear No. 34 with the Kings
Ill just be playing against them and try my best against forwards or defensemen from the organization. Were not friends in this tournament, so were playing against each other like we dont know each other.
MM: Obviously, the bigger focus is on getting wins for Team USA. However, is there anything you need to do, individually speaking, to get the Arty Party going at the World Juniors?
Be ready and get some chemistry with my linemates, whoever I play with. I also need to work hard every single shift and not take any time off on a shift. I need to play hard every game and I think well be good.
Picture courtesy of USA Hockey
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Few players will reach the Christmas break with as much momentum as Kaliyev. Sure, much has already been made of his impressive year in the OHL last season, where he posted 51 goals and 102 points. Somehow, hes managed to top that pace over the past few months, notching 31 goals and 31 assists in Hamiltons first 33 games.
Just think about that for a minute… https://t.co/2PfM8FRuNP
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 17, 2019
Unlike Turcotte, though, Kaliyev isnt a product of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, so he likely isnt in as comfortable of surroundings this week. Plus, with a final round of camp cuts still to come — and until he sees his name on the official World Junior roster — theres almost surely more than a few nerves flying around. — John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 17, 2019
As Kaliyev and an American crew of NHL hopefuls wrapped up their final day of WJC practice stateside, we caught up with the 18-year-old sniper via phone
MM: Were you given any sort of a defined role by Team USA coaches or other officials coming into this camp and/or what expectations did you have, if any?
There are a lot of great players here. Over these first couple of days, I think they want to sort things out and then I guess well see when we get closer to the tournament. The coaches have been speaking mostly to the team, rather than individually. Im just trying to play hard myself and play well in all three zones.
MM: Are you having any separation anxiety yet? Your linemate, Jan Janik, left Hamilton a few days before you to head to Europe for his own pre-tournament camp. We know how close you guys are.
Yeah, its pretty cool hell be with the Czech Republic. Im just trying to get some chemistry going with my linemates here. I think itll be a great experience playing with Team USA and seeing him on the other national team.
MM: How much time have you spent looking over the rosters for other countries, maybe trying to size up some of the teams youll be facing?
I just looked at Canadas roster once and thats all. I havent checked out the other nations yet.
MM: Any thoughts on playing Canada in Game 1 of the tournament on December 26?
I think its going to be fun. Everyone will be watching that one. Its going to be really competitive for both of our teams to try and win that first game. We dont have much time to warmup, so we have to be ready right off the get go.
MM: Have you made any adjustments in your game since attending the Summer Showcase with Team USA in August?
Im just trying to play a lot harder and be more focused in the defensive zone and neutral zone. Im trying to play great all around, not just trying to score and get points.
MM: Are any family members or friends going over to the Czech Republic to cheer you on?
I think just my parents will be going. Its a little far away.
MM: Previously, you told me you wanted to wear No. 34 with the Kings
Caught up with @Arthur_Kaliyev at USA WJC camp (full interview coming up on MM). Asked if he saw @KaleClague would be wearing 'his' 34?
"I saw. He made the team faster than me. He can wear it and then we'll see what happens when I make the team. Hopefully I can get it from him."
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 17, 2019
MM: Now the Kings could have as many as eight other prospects at the WJC
"I saw. He made the team faster than me. He can wear it and then we'll see what happens when I make the team. Hopefully I can get it from him."
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 17, 2019
Ill just be playing against them and try my best against forwards or defensemen from the organization. Were not friends in this tournament, so were playing against each other like we dont know each other.
MM: Obviously, the bigger focus is on getting wins for Team USA. However, is there anything you need to do, individually speaking, to get the Arty Party going at the World Juniors?
Be ready and get some chemistry with my linemates, whoever I play with. I also need to work hard every single shift and not take any time off on a shift. I need to play hard every game and I think well be good.
Picture courtesy of USA Hockey
RELATED CONTENT:
Follow @mayorNHL
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
http://mayorsmanor.com/2019/12/wjc-2...a-hockey-camp/