Playing Career
Viktor grew up in Los Gatos, California and in 1994, moved with his family to Lexington, Kentucky. His father Vasily was the goalie coach for the San Jose Sharks American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Kentucky Thoroughblades. Viktor was heavily involved in the Bluegrass Blades youth hockey program.
Tikhonov was drafted 28th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft from Russian team Severstal Cherepovets. This was his third time entering the draft as he was passed over in his two previous years of eligibility. On July 1, 2008 he was signed by the Coyotes to a three-year entry level contract. In the following 2008–09 season Tikhonov made the Coyotes opening night roster making his NHL debut on October 12, 2008, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played in 61 games scoring 8 goals and 16 points before he was assigned to American Hockey League affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.
Tikhonov started the 2009–10 season in the AHL with the Rampage and played in 18 games before opting to take up a loan to regain form with Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL for the remainder of the season on November 27, 2009. After scoring 14 goals in 25 games, tied for second among Severstal, Tikhonov was recalled by the Coyotes on March 13, 2010. He rejoined the Coyotes as a part of the practice squad as they reached the first round of the playoffs.
On August 10, 2011 the Phoenix Coyotes re-signed Tikhonov to a one-year deal.
Read more about this topic: Viktor Tikhonov (ice Hockey B. 1988)
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