For players like Cleveland Monsters forward Kirill Marchenko, the American Hockey League serves as not only the first step towards the National Hockey League, but also a first taste of North American hockey.

A native of Barnaul, Russia, Marchenko began his path toward an NHL career when he was selected 49th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He made his way to the United States this July with his wife, Victoria, and has a very positive, upbeat outlook on his recent transition both on and off the ice.

“We like it here and try to [make the most of] living in different places,” said Marchenko. “We have lived in a few different cities around Russia and now have a [big life] moment in moving to America. It is no problem for us, just a new experience and we just stay happy.”