“There’s a wrist shot, saved by Lundquist, Ted Purcell is front, there’s a shot, and they score! The youngster Dimitri Kucherov, scoring, his first NHL goal.” Nikita Kucherov scored his first NHL goal on Nov. 25, 2013, on his first shot, his first shift, on his first game, beginning the dynasty of Nikita ‘Kuch’ Kucherov.
Nikita Kucherov started his career in Southern Russia before moving to Moscow. His mother got a job at a hockey rink, which started his interest and love for the game. He grew up and continued to get better. He was drafted into the Russian Junior Hockey League and three seasons later, he officially became a professional hockey player, joining the Kontinental Hockey League, where he played two regular seasons (26) games and scored one goal and had six assists.
He was eventually selected as the 58th overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Many students at Angeline Academy of Innovation are big fans of the Lightning and appreciate and look up to Nikita Kucherov as a role model and a player. Hayden Mills (9) plays travel hockey for the Tampa Bay Crunch.
“I am amazed by how simple his career started, but I can understand the challenges of playing,” Mills said.
After the draft, the Lightning chose not to play Kucherov and instead sent him to the QMJHL, where he could hone his skills. His first-ever NHL game was on Nov. 25, 2013, and on his first shot, he scored, becoming the seventh player in Lightning history to score on their debut. He has been loved and valued by the organization and fans since then. Even some teachers at Angeline are devoted fans of the Lightning and show it on spirit days and other sports-related days. Band teacher, Mr. William Luckett is one of those committed fans.
“As a long-time Lightning fan, Kucherov has been one of my favorite players on the team since he made his debut; I love watching him play,” Luckett said.
During his first season, Nikita Kucherov scored nine goals and had nine assists. His playoff debut was in 2014 against the Montreal Canadiens. During this game, he scored on his first shot, again. The shot was scored on Carey Price, who is a very possible hall of famer and is currently still playing for the Canadiens. Another student and Lightning fan, Josh Ferry (9) competes in multiple hockey leagues.
“I try and resemble him when I play during both high school and travel games,” Ferry said.
Furthermore, Nikita Kucherov would continue to set records and lead the team in points. In the 2014-2015 season, ‘Kuch’ would set the franchise record for plus-minus, hitting an astonishing +38 plus-minus by the end of the season. During the 2015 playoffs, on May 20, Nikita would join Martin St. Louis as the only two players in lightning franchise history to score two overtime game-winners.
“It’s incredible how quickly ‘Kuch’ went from being a bottom-line player to leading the team,” Mills said.
Nikita Kucherov has recently been on a ‘hot’ streak and seems to be hitting his prime. He was awarded the 2024 Art Ross Trophy, which is awarded to the player with the most points in the season. He became the fifth player in NHL history to record 100 assists in a season. Kucherov was also unanimously voted onto the 2023-2024 all-star game, becoming the first player to do so since Jarome Iginla in 2002.
“He is probably their most important player offensively,” Ferry said. “He’s the main driving factor of their offense.”
But Nikita Kucherov isn’t just an impactful person on the ice. He is a huge impactor in the city of Tampa too. He brings a sense of pride and courage to the city, boosting the economy and activity around the team. He brings fans from other cities and local areas alike.
“I think Lightning fans rally around his skill and personality in a big way,” Mr. Luckett said.
With many more future seasons, contracts, and possible records to come, Nikita Kucherov is still just beginning a new era for the Lightning. Fans and players alike will continue to look forward to what ‘Kuch’ will bring to the Tampa Bay team and community.
