Ilya Bryzgalov: Back-Up Goalie, Selfie Pro

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Bryzgalov the Quote Machine

If you didn’t know by now, Ilya Bryzgalov is a fan of the spotlight. The Russian net minder started his career as a social media star back in 2011 when he stole the show by talking about the universe. For those of you that haven’t seen this, please watch the video below. You’ll thank me later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtaWkLFfevc

Bryz didn’t stop there, though. Throughout his time in Philadelphia, Bryzgalov said some things that make you wonder what’s going on inside his head. They have always said goalies are a little bit different. However, this strange sense of humor made him a fan favorite when he was acquired by the Minnesota Wild last March.

Bryzgalov quickly gained the hearts of fans by giving away his goalie sticks, providing some humor during interviews and in the locker room, and making it known that he “would very much like to return to the Wild.” After being brought back to Minnesota Wild training camp on a PTO, I’m pretty sure he’s determined to make a few more friends in Minnesota before his time is up. Last night during the Wild’s third exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bryzgalov managed to do just that. Or at the very least, he became an internet sensation.

But First, Let Me Take a Selfie

Being a backup goalie must be incredibly boring. You sit on the bench all game and watch your teammates play, getting in the game only if the starter gets injured, which nobody wants. Ilya Bryzgalov was apparently done being bored by the third period of the game, when he began taking selfies with fans behind the bench.

I don’t care if you’re a fan of the guy’s play on the ice, but he is without a doubt one of the most hilarious professional athletes to ever exist. Selfies and descriptions about the universe probably aren’t going to get him a spot on the team, but I think it’s safe to say Ilya Bryzgalov will always have a special place in the hearts of Minnesota Wild fans.

Also, if you didn’t think he was cool before, he also tossed his hat onto the ice after Jason Pominville scored his hat trick. You just can’t beat that.

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