Zhigalov Shares Excitement About Being Drafted by Avalanche

The floor filled with General Managers, scouts, head coaches and front office hockey operations staff of the respective 32 NHL teams arranged at the 2022 NHL Draft hosted in Montreal's Bell Centre began to ready themselves to leave up as this year's draft wrapped up and one final pick in the seventh rounder remained to be announced.

"And with the final pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche select Ivan Zhigalov of the Sherbrooke Phoenix," was announced from the Avalanche's table and projected across the arena, which had thinned in its onlookers as the mid-afternoon ensued.
An immediate cheer could be heard from the stands where prospects and their families were sitting as the jumbotron and the stage - which cast a giant LED screen - showcased a live shot of the Avalanche's newest draftee and final selection of the 2022 draft class - in addition to defenseman Chris Romaine, 193rd overall (sixth round) - was embraced by his billet family, who was jumping up and down with pure enthusiasm.

Zhigalov, who is a 19-year-old goaltender and hails from Minsk, Belarus, was guided down to the floor and over to Colorado's table in the farthest back corner on the right hand side where he was greeted by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Alternate Governor Joe Sakic, Assistant General Manager Chris McFarland, Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar and other members of the club's scouting and hockey operations staff.
"It was long because you're just waiting to go earlier," Zhigalov said of the moment. "But I am really proud and happy to be drafted by this great organization. I'm really excited about it. It doesn't matter where you get [drafted], you just need to prove it and go for it."
After meandering through the gauntlet hallway - where Zhigalov was given his official Avalanche threads and hat which coincidentally matched his bright blue tie - and out to the media setup in the lowest level of the Bell Centre, the 6-foot-3 and 168 pound teen took a seat the podium and greeted the media. His utter excitement was evident from his tone as he beamed a giant grin and answered questions thoughtfully.
"I was almost crying because I was happy to get this opportunity," Zhigalov. "I am really excited and really happy… I was with my billet family because my parents couldn't come. They have become like a second family to me. I really want to say thank you for them. They supported me all the time with my agency. I'm really happy about it."
Zhigalov shared how last year he had watched the draft virtually through all seven rounds and was bummed to not be selected, but used it as motivation for this season where he transitioned from playing in Belarus to his first season of North American hockey with Sherbrooke of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
With the Phoenix, posted a 26-9-3 record, a 2.84 GAA and a .892 SV% in his first season. The adjustment to the smaller sheet of ice that's used in the United States and Canada compared to the Olympic-sized sheets that are used in Europe and Russia, wasn't the only adaptation Zhigalov had to make. He shared that he had only learned English last October and also had to pick up French quickly as a result of living in Quebec.

"Right now I can talk like three languages," Zhigalov said with a smile and when asked how good his French is by a local reporter he gleamed, "Salut, comme ca va? Ca va bien et toi? C'est bon. Bon, oui!"
Zhigalov reiterated his mindset of making the most of an opportunity; no matter what is or where it is, but just embracing the chance itself. For him, it didn't matter if he was selected in the first round or as the last overall pick of the draft, the goal remains the same.
And as the Avalanche had just acquired fellow Belarus native and netminder Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers - who became a bonafide NHLer despite being undrafted - Zhigalov cited that he uses him and other Russian netminders as inspiration for their style of play and as role models.
Even after the experience of being drafted, speaking with media, partaking in the various photoshoots and media setups that are arranged for draftees, Zhigalov's grin didn't budge.
"I don't need to explain this," He said of his expression. "It's just my face. I am so happy."