<\/p>\n
Arseni Gritsyuk with Ivan Demidov’ puppy, Celine (Photo courtesy of gritsyuk_81 on Instagram)<\/p>\n
Rising Fame \u2013 and a Puppy Named C\u00e9line<\/p>\n
Of course, the transition hasn\u2019t been without its quirks. For the first time, Demidov is experiencing real fame. In Russia, he was a highly touted prospect, but in Montreal \u2014 a city that treats hockey players like rock stars \u2014 it\u2019s a different level of attention altogether.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople recognize him everywhere,\u201d Gritsyuk said. \u201cWe were in a restaurant and someone came up: \u2018Are you Ivan Demidov?\u2019 Vanya answered, \u2018No, sorry, you\u2019ve got the wrong person.\u2019 And this was in Ottawa!\u201d <\/p>\n
If he can\u2019t even slip under the radar in another city, fans can imagine what it\u2019s like for him in Montreal, where hockey talk dominates the airwaves and even casual fans know the names of top prospects.<\/p>\n
Adding to his growing persona is his new puppy, a maltipoo named C\u00e9line. When the name surfaced, many assumed it was a deliberate nod to Quebec\u2019s most famous musical export, C\u00e9line Dion<\/a>, who had the honor of announcing Demidov\u2019s name at the NHL Draft. It seemed like a perfect story \u2014 until Gritsyuk clarified the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cI also thought he named her after C\u00e9line Dion,\u201d he laughed. \u201cBut Vanya said that wasn\u2019t the case. He just didn\u2019t want to give the dog a Russian name \u2014 it felt strange. So they picked a common local name instead.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Even if the choice was coincidental, the story has only added to Demidov\u2019s charm. For fans, C\u00e9line the dog has already become a character in the larger narrative of Montreal\u2019s new star.<\/p>\n Focused on Hockey<\/p>\n For all the attention off the ice, Demidov\u2019s real focus is on the ice. According to Gritsyuk, the young forward\u2019s training regimen is relentless. It\u2019s worth noting that Demidov didn\u2019t have the luxury of training in the summer of 2024, as he nursed an ankle injury right up until the start of the KHL pre-season. So, now, fully healthy and hungry to hit the ground running next season, the young forward has taken full advantage of all the resources at his disposal.<\/p>\n \u201cHe loves it,\u201d Gritsyuk said. \u201cHe works out twice a day \u2013 in the gym and on the ice. Sometimes he even skates in the evening. He has everything he needs, and he\u2019s enjoying it. He\u2019s working with a personal coach. Unlike last year in SKA, he isn\u2019t trying to bulk up with muscle. He even slimmed down a little. He says he doesn\u2019t want to get too heavy and feels good at 190-193 pounds.\u201d<\/p>\n That shift speaks to his understanding of the NHL game. While size matters, the league continues to evolve toward speed and skill, and Demidov is positioning himself to thrive in that environment. Canadiens coaches and management will no doubt appreciate his commitment to tailoring his preparation in a way that best fits the team\u2019s long-term needs.<\/p>\n Finding His Place Off The Ice<\/p>\n Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture is no small task, but Demidov is settling in quickly. Beyond training, he\u2019s already dipping into the social side of NHL life. This summer, he attended the weddings of Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki and fellow NHL forward Patrik Laine \u2014 not bad company for a teenager just breaking into the league.<\/p>\n