Five Questions With… Igor Makarov

Since you were drafted in 2006, how much have you been able to keep up with the Blackhawks? Did you get to watch the Stanley Cup Final?

I’ve watched a couple of games, but it’s tough to watch many games because of the time difference in Russia. I have tried to watch as much as I can.

How excited are you to be finally to be in North America and in the Blackhawks’ system?

I’m still getting used to it, but I’m really excited. I’m hoping to make the Hawks, and I’ll work my best to do it.

What do you expect to be the big differences between hockey in Russia and here?

It’s a lot faster here, because the ice is much smaller. But I’m excited because I like this kind of play; it’s physical and fast-paced.

Who are some of the NHL players you’ve modeled your game after?

I really like Ilya Kovalchuk – the way he plays, and the way he is off the ice. And definitely [Pittsburgh's] Evgeni Malkin.

I’m sure you’ve been asked this question a thousand times, but I have to clarify once and for all – is your father, Sergei, the Sergei Makarov? Everybody seems to have a different answer.

He’s not that one, but he also played hockey.

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