Hartford Wolf Pack goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been a huge part of the team's success this fall. Credit: Bill Mercey
HARTFORD — Igor Shesterkin is adjusting just fine to life, and hockey, in North America.
The 23-year-old goaltender is tearing up the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack, just as he did the KHL in Russia the past few seasons for SKA St. Petersburg. The Wolf Pack, the Rangers' top farm team, is sitting tied at the top of the AHL standings through Nov. 18.
The Rangers’ commitment to rebuilding their minor league system, and the influence of new coach Kris Knoblauch, are major factors in the team’s success, though folks in Hartford are quick to give Shesterkin a large part of the credit as well.