| Young Wing defenseman ready for NHL September 19, 1998 |
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| TRAVERSE CITY - If not second nature, the language barrier has been crossed, as has the difference between Siberia and North America. So has the psychological barrier separating Yan Golubovsky from the NHL. For three years, the defensive prospect would come to Detroit Red Wings training camp in name only. He knew he belonged in Adirondack, learning the game and a new culture. "That's a long way from four years ago," Golubovsky said before the Red Wings broke camp Friday in Traverse City. "I learned about hockey and I matured more. Right now four years later, it's a different story. "I've been thinking I can make it now ... I think it's about time to make the NHL." So have the Red Wings. Golubovsky's development in the minors and during an impressive 12-game stint in Detroit last season figured into the team's decision to not resign Bob Rouse and Slava Fetisov. The team has just six NHL defensemen in training camp, and the minimum to start the season is seven. "There's a spot that has to be filled," interim co-coach Dave Lewis said. That's the spot that almost certainly awaits Golubovsky, the team's first-round draft pick in 1995. His audition begins tonight in Cleveland when Detroit opens the exhibition season against Pittsburgh. "He's had an above-average camp," assistant general manager Jim Nill said. Golubovsky's competition is minimal. Fellow Russian Maxim Kuznetsov is making a push, but may be a year away. And Jesse Wallin's groin injury is a reminder of the bad luck which has plagued him for much of his career. "Basically, (Golubovsky) is in a position where he has to play himself off the team," GM Ken Holland. "He's come a long way. You look at where he was four years ago, he couldn't speak the language, he was trying to learn an entirely different style of hockey. Now he's ready to play in the NHL." The biggest confidence builder for Golubovsky was his stint last season. While averaging 10:46 a game, he was on the ice for just one even-strength goal-against. He even picked up a nickname - "Goober" - bestowed by his teammates. "It's very important," Golubovsky said of his NHL experience. "It helped me a lot with my game. I prove a lot when I was here. I know the people. I don't try to do anything fancy and just do my job. "You wait for a chance and you know you can play, but you need the chance and I'll do everything I can to make it come through." |