Semyon Varlamov

Semyon Aleksandrovich Varlamov (Russian: Семён Александрович Варламов, Russian pronunciation: [sʲɪˈmʲɵn vɐrˈɫaməf]; born 27 April 1988) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). He first played professionally with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the then Russian Superleague (RSL) after he was drafted in the first round, 23rd overall, by the Washington Capitals in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.\n', '

Varlamov grew up in Kuybyshev, developing his skills under the VVS hockey program. Before learning to skate properly, he started playing in net at the age of eight, preferring the goalie stick to the inferior bandy sticks that mite-level players were using at the time. The young goalie moved to Yaroslavl in his early teens and quickly established himself as the club’s dominant goalie. During the 2004–05 season, Varlamov made his debut o…