Vladimir Tkachev
September 12th 2014 - October 1 2014
Having been born with a genetic disease known as "smallness", Vladimir was a survivor and battled hard throughout his years to achieve his hockey goals and persevered despite his stature. After playing but a few games for Omsk Avengard of the KHL, his undeniable talent shone through and in 2013 was invited to play in the Canadian Junior leagues of Quebec, Canada. In just 20 appearances, he was able to amass 30 points and drew the attention of many scouts. Again his illness would rob him of opportunity as he was passed over by all 30 NHL teams in the 2014 NHL draft.
Although dejected, Vladimir found support in his agent who vowed to fight on and find a place for his client in the great North American league. He promised to give a grand stage for the "sick" young man to display his talents to all and thus, never be cast down upon ever again. That is when they found the Edmonton Oilers and were offered a golden ticket - an amateur tryout. Rejoicing in is new found fortune, Vladimir was completely unaware that his greatest achievement would ultimately be his demise.
After a spectacular showing at the Young Stars Tournament in Penticton B.C., Vladimir earned himself an invite to the big clubs' main tryout camp in Edmonton. There, he continued his display of talent and skill, wowing the home team fans and media alike. His trials and tribulations seemingly at an end, Vladimir had defied the odds and was on top of the world - and that's when it struck, in the form of a contract offer from the Edmonton Oilers.
After a two week period of excitement and symptom free hockey, Vladimir along with his new found stardom, finally succumbed to the to the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Oilers management inability to read. He is survived by his line mate, Bogdan Yakimov, his interpreter, Nail Yakupov and several training camp hopefuls who wouldn't make the AHL squad of even a half-assed NHL team.
Gone to the big "Q" in the sky, no service will be held for Vladimir to bid him farewell. In lieu of flowers, please send your anger and displeasure to the front office of the Edmonton Oilers in Alberta, Canada.
"So long my dear, Russian bottle-rocket
You were a bright light in a dark organization
A feel good story-line in a novel of heartbreak
You will be greatly missed
Perhaps we'll meet again
At the 2015 draft and I'll pray
You don't get selected by the Canucks"
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