Path to stardom: Vasily Atanasov
KHL.ru continues telling stories of those who showcased an exceptional level of playing despite their young age. Torpedo’s forward Vasily Atanasov got a lot of attention on himself not only for his skills, but also for his smile and perseverance.
Born on Sep 25, 2002, in Nizhny Tagil, Vasily Atanasov’s journey in hockey is notable for his steady rise and resilience.
He started playing in his native Nizhny Tagil began with Dynamo St. Petersburg, where he demonstrated a keen hockey sense and excellent anticipation. Nizhny Tagil’s school produced some players like the Radulov brothers, KHL forward Nikita Soshnikov, defenseman Semyon Chistyakov, and many others. However, it was his move to Mamonty Yugry in the JHL that truly set the stage for Atanasov’s development. In the 2019-2020 season, he scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists in 49 games. The following season saw a significant improvement in his performance, with 20 goals and 21 assists in 56 games.
Atanasov’s time at Yugra was marked by rapid development and leadership. He served as the team’s captain and was among the top JHL scorers. His performance drew attention from scouts and fans alike, highlighting him as a player to watch. In 2021-2022, he was in the top ten for scoring in the JHL, with 39 goals and 28 assists in 54 regular season games.
The next phase of Atanasov’s career began with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. In his debut season in 2022-2023, under Igor Larionov, he scored 8 goals and made 5 assists in 32 games. The following season, he became one of Torpedo’s main stars, nearly achieving a “point-per-game” pace with 40 points in 46 games.
Atanasov stands out not just for his skill on the ice but also for his positive demeanor and distinctive style. His cheerful attitude is a source of motivation for his teammates and a delight for the fans. His consistent performance and engaging play style have made him a fan favorite in Nizhny Novgorod and beyond. He also had a huge contribution when Torpedo’s junior team lifted the JHL Kharlamov Cup in 2023, when he led the league with 10 postseason tallies in just 12 games.
Atanasov’s journey has not been without its challenges. He has faced serious injuries that could have derailed his career. However, his resilience and determination have helped him overcome these obstacles, using setbacks as motivation to come back stronger. This year, for example, was full of ups and downs. He had his first KHL hat-trick on Oct 7 in Torpedo’s thumping of Dynamo Moscow (7:1), yet injuries limited him only to 46 games, missing a full month of action between January and February.
Recently, Atanasov signed a new two-year deal with Torpedo, underscoring his valuable contribution to the Nizhny Novgorod franchise. This new chapter promises further growth and success for Atanasov and his supporters. He has been often praised for his play by his coach Igor Larionov.
“Hopefully, he won’t have any more injuries – the guy weighs 67-68 kilograms only. I'm not scared by this weight – it’s just that some things happen... We want to protect him, not place any heavy responsibility on his slender shoulders. He's an extraordinary guy. I think in a year or two, he'll get stronger and more robust.”
Igor Larionov
In conclusion, Vasily Atanasov exemplifies resilience and dedication in hockey. His journey from a promising junior player to a key figure in the KHL serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and hockey enthusiasts. As he continues with Torpedo, the hockey community eagerly anticipates his future achievements on the ice, with the Nizhny Novgorod side looking for further postseason success after its first-round exit in the 2023-2024 campaign.
