BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – There was a little piece of Bismarck at the World Juniors this year. Bismarck Bobcats forward Alexander Kim took on the international stage.
“Playing for your country is always really special, I feel like, so it was fun,” said Kim.
Kim made it to one of hockey’s premier tournaments: the World Juniors. The Bobcats forward represented his home nation, Kazakhstan.
“It feels incredible,” said Kim. “It’s always special and playing with all the guys that you played with growing up, that’s also pretty special. It’s definitely a lot of fun, seeing the crowd and the full arenas, it’s special, I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
Kim’s efforts in Ottawa did not go unnoticed by his head coach back in Bismarck.
“I think it’s awesome for him and awesome for the organization,” said Bobcats head coach Garrett Roth. “Sasha’s done a great job here, he competes, he works hard. Anytime a player of yours has an opportunity to play for his country, it’s a special moment and we’re really proud of him.”
Kim was named an alternate captain for team Kazakhstan.
“I think it’s an honor, wearing a letter at the World Juniors, but it’s also a pretty big responsibility,” said Kim.
Kim’s had multiple stints with his national team. He played for the team that earned promotion to the top division last year, which was his country’s ninth appearance in the top division.
“It’s definitely grown. I think more and more kids are coming to hockey and start playing there, So I think it’s more popular now,” Kim said.
At the World Juniors, Kazakhstan ended up getting relegated from the top division down to Division 1A.
“I think it’s still good experience for every player that’s been there with us and I think we did as best as we can,” Kim said.
When Kazakhstan makes their way back to the top division, there’s one thing Kim wants to see.
“More wins, that’s the only thing,” Kim said with a smile.
Still, Kim knows how amazing it is to play at the World Juniors.
“It happens maybe once or twice in your life, I feel like it’s a big movement in my career. It’s a big experience for me,” said Kim.
The Bobcats host St. Cloud on Friday and Saturday night.
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