In his first season with the Utah Grizzlies last winter, forward Vlady Nikiforov quickly established himself as a definite fan favorite. Known for his phenomenal speed on the ice and for his toughness despite being just 5-foot-7, Nikiforov is back with the Grizzlies to start the 2009-10 season and is looking to help the club establish itself as one of the best in the ECHL.

Question: You resigned with AHL club Bridgeport and were consequently assigned to Utah. What playing opportunities did you have between last year and this year, and what led you to resign with Bridgeport?

Answer: I was told by my agent that I was gonna play a little bit more this year hopefully. I played 19 games last year (in the AHL). He said I'd play more. It's only the beginning of the season, so you never know. I might get called up. I'm not thinking about that. I'm just thinking about working hard here. Right now I care less about getting called up because I wanna deserve being called up.

Question: You were born in Russia and grew up in New York. How has that upbringing influenced your hockey career?

Answer: Russia didn't influence me much because I didn't play there. I moved out of there when I was seven. My dad influenced me more than anyone. He's a hockey instructor right now at the Rinx. It's just five minutes from my house. He does clinics, stuff like that. He played 20 years in the Russian league. He's always pushing me, and I learn a lot from it. I consider him probably one of the best coaches.

Question: What do you guys need to do to be able to contend for a Kelly Cup?

Answer: First, get the systems down and what not. We're still learning. There are a few things that are different from last year. It's a lot easier for second-year guys to do the system, but the rookies and stuff, they gotta get it carved into their heads for the rest of the year. It has to be done like that. And then, just working hard, getting good chemistry — getting a couple of guys together on lines that work good.

Question: Of all the players on the Grizzlies' roster right now, who do you think has the best chance to make it in the NHL? (Feel free to include yourself.)

Answer: I don't want to go into myself. Everybody has a chance. I think (Ryan Kinasewich) has a big opportunity. He's a big boy, and he has all the tools. (James) Sixsmith is a hard-working kid and skilled and just his work ethic shows. He's gettin' better every year. Tom May — big boy, he can skate, he can shoot, he has all the tools. Everybody has a chance. It's just who wants it more.

Question: What's the life of a minor-league hockey player like?

Answer: It's fun. I like coming to the rink, working hard, seeing the boys. But it's a bit stressful. You wanna play at a higher level. It just gets hard sometimes. You feel like you're playin' well, you wanna go up. (But) they're just not calling you up. But I like all of it.