Meet Your Maineiacs: Andrey Makarov

Published on February 4, 2011 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


Andrey Makarov is geographically a long way from home, but he feels at home here in L-A. The downsize (native Kazan, Russia, which is the capital city of the Tatarstan Republic, has more than a million residents) has been no problem for Mak, and he says of Maine, "Everything is quiet and relaxing...everything what young hockey player needed to play hockey."

Both Russian players on the roster as well as various MAINEiacs teammates have been asked about language barriers, and while some things do trip the guys up, it's not a big deal. Billet brother Kirill Kabanov speaks both Russian and English but insists he has just as much help from Mak as vice versa. When talking to Nick Champion in a recent postgame interview, Mark Edwards suggested Mak and Champion must do okay through the common language of Goalie! Champion complimented Mak's athletic ability in the net, also saying it was good for Mak to get some starts and prove he can be the number one goaltender next season. When asking Mak about Champion, and specifically pointing out how loudly Champion's family cheered for Mak in Victoriaville, Mak says, "He is a great guy! I wish him always good luck." And the rest of the MAINEiacs "I love my teammates. It's a great team!"

Better luck between the pipes has been Mak's as of late. On the season so far, Andrey tells fans he hasn't felt good about it because of the injuries, but now he's trying to find his game. With early-season injuries in the rearview mirror, Makarov has been consistently good in recent games, such as the 37-saves-on-39-shots win over Shawinigan Feb. 1st.

Getting back to Andrey Makarov the person, Andrey is from a picturesque city at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka Rivers. Kazan is well known for its landmarks and its sports facilities and athletes. In 2018, Kazan will host the FIFA World Cup. Andrey says the most beautiful thing in Kazan is Kremlin Palace, while the most famous attraction is the Church of Ivan Groznyi (Ivan the Terrible). His father (age 45) is a hockey owner, and his mom (age 44) is an assistant to the Mayor of Kazan. Makarov has two brothers, a 24-year-old builder and a 6-year-old first grader, as well as a cat (age 10).

While nothing can substitute for Russian food from Mak's standpoint, billets Tim, Koreen, & Jackson Plourde keep Mak well-fed. That's a good thing, because Mak's game day ritual is ........"Nice food!" Andrey wants to share that he loves his billet family, and he also wants to thank fans for their help and support. And we fans are behind you 100% Mak!

Rapid Fire with Andrey:

Favorite NHL or KHL player Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes goalie)

Favorite Russian food All!

Favorite Russian musical group Guf (check it out! http://www.last.fm/music/Guf)

Favorite American food Russian

Favorite school subject Physical Education & Math

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2011


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