LYUDMILA BELYAKOVA
Professional Hockey Player
Q&A
Learn a little more about Lyudmila.
When did you start playing hockey?
I started playing hockey in December 2001. I was 7 years old.
How has the transition been moving from your home in Russia to Brooklyn?
Moving to another city is always stressful. New country, new city, new people, new things. And most importantly - a different language. It takes time to understand and comprehend all. I'm already starting to feel accustomed.
Who's your role model?
Maxim Rybin (born June 15, 1981) is a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Why did you choose to play forward?
Throughout my career, I had to play both defense and offense. I always feel more comfortable playing forward, and I like to score goals.
How did you celebrate your first NWHL contract?
To celebrate, my father and Katya Pashkevich had a celebration at a lake with a very difficult name - Lake Chaubunagungamaug. And then I started training to meet the strongest US and Canadian players and to be the best among them.
What's your favorite moment so far in your hockey career?
Bronze medal World Championship in Ottawa in 2013 and the Hold medal of the Universiade in Granada in 2015, when we won the final of Canada.
Which team do you most loo forward to playing against?
For me, all opponents are important. You can not underestimate anyone or you risk losing.
Who's your favorite player in the NWHL?
I do not have a favorite player in the NWHL, but all the teams have good players who I have a lot to learn from.
What music do you listen to before a game?
I always listen to music based on my mood. It does not matter if its for a game or something else.
Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a professional hockey player, I'd be a ___.
If I was not a professional hockey player, I'd be an astronaut (a joke!)
Do you have any advice for the future NWHL players who would love to follow in your footsteps?
Train, set a target, achieve it and never stop there! There is no limit!
Favorite restaurant or meal?
I love homemade food.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I practice! I train 2-3 times every day.
What is your dream?
The first time I came to Canada was in 2007 when my team participated in the Bell Capital Cup. As an eception, the tournament management has allowed me to play in on the boys team. We reached the final, and I was awarded a personal trophy for the fastest skate in the tournament. The atmosphere and attitude towards overseas hockey impressed me so much that it became my life's goal - to play in North America. Six months ago I could only dream about it, but today I am an NWHL player. Incredible, but true!
Provided by : New York Riveters & NWHL
© 2016 by Bryan Johnson Photography
