Father’s Day: St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko discusses family
Father’s Day weekend is here and I had the unique pleasure of talking to St. Louis Blues star winger, Vladimir Tarasenko, about all things family. Being as Philadelphia is as tight-knit a city as they come, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk to someone who shares the same values of my favorite city in the world.
Vladimir Tarasenko, while not a player for the Flyers, has been one of the more impressive hockey players in the NHL. Tarasenko was the 16th selection in the 2010 NHL draft and made his NHL debut back in the 2012-2013 season.
He played in 38 games and scored 19 points. The next season he improved, playing in 64 games scoring 43 points. He saw a major leap in between seasons two and three where he played 77 games and scored 73 points. In the past two seasons he’s played in 80 and 82 games respectively and scored 74 and 75 points, also respectively. He is a three time all star to boot.
Not only is he a beast when it comes to the game of hockey, but he does it the right way. You don’t hear of it much in hockey, but you always hear about how athletes are doing the wrong thing. The Tiger Woods’ of the world make headlines for the wrong reasons. You rarely see headlines of players that do the norm, like get married and settle down with two kids (one of his own, one step child) at the age of 25, like Vladimir Tarasenko did.
“Being a father is the coolest thing in my life. I have more responsibilities and good feelings,” Tarasenko said to me over the phone. “I always have a place I look forward to go to. It’s a completely different lifestyle having a one and ten year old.”
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Vladimir grew up in a hockey family. His father was a professional hockey player in Russia, he was also Vladimir’s first professional coach. “We work together every summer. He gives me help,” he said of his father. “He was a very good skilled player who could score and pass the puck. I’m proud of my dad and the player he was.”
At this time I went into a brief story about how my father and I always bonded over sports. I get my love for the Eagles from my dad. Ask any of my friends and they know that my dad’s the only person I watch the beloved Birds with.
“My father and grandfather are the most important. My father always told me to be the best at whatever I do.” He added that he will pass that down to his own children.
“It’s unique when you recognize the lessons your father taught you that you want to pass down,” Vladimir chimed. “I’ll explain what they need to do in their life. They need to be themselves. It’s challenging but I can handle it because my grandfather and father put me in position to. My goal is to be their idol for them growing up.”
“I don’t think there’s any differences,” Tarasenko said, comparing Father’s day in Russia to Father’s day in the US. “It’s a good family day. You need to treat your father right every day, same as Mother’s day.”
A popular topic in America today is whether or not parents will sign their children up for certain sports. For example, football isn’t as popular for the youth as it used to be. “My oldest already plays hockey,” Tarasenko commented. “He’s a goalie. He’s good, he’s really flexible.”
“I don’t want them to play hockey from one standpoint because of how hard it is and the injuries and such. The other standpoint, it would be my dream to see them play at a high level and cheer for them. I would love to be their idol.”
As you may or may not be aware, Vladimir Tarasenko was voted to the cover of the NHL 17 video game. He commented, “It was a great experience. It was really cool. Everywhere you go you see yourself on the game, it’s something I can show my kids when they grow up.
Two of the biggest honors in the hockey world are winning the Stanley Cup and winning gold in the Olympics. Unfortunately, the NHL decided block it’s players from participating in the Olympics. “The Stanley Cup.” he quickly responded over the phone. “All the power and emotions involved. Being in the Conference Finals last year it was really hard. I’m surprised at the decision [to back out of the Olympics] and I hope they change it.”
Since the Blues have traveled to Philadelphia twice since Vladimir has been in the NHL I had to ask what he did in the city of Brotherly love. “Every time I come to Philly I want to go to the Rocky Steps. The last two times I was here we had a team dinner and a Super Bowl party, so I didn’t make it there.”
Most guys in Tarasenko’s position are less focused on family and more focused on being an athlete. He is super passionate about his family and it shows. “A lot of people said my marriage was too early. I started thinking about the right things and my wife puts me in the right place, especially with the kids.” he said of his family life. “Its amazing being with my wife and kids. It gives me power and makes me stronger.”
Next: Philadelphia Flyers: Can the Penguins’ success be emulated?
Three time all star Vladimir Tarasenko is the epitome of what a hockey club should build their team around. A great winger, with a team first mentality who has his head in the right place. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, especially you, Vlad!