Viktor Tikhonov (1988)

Viktor Vasilevich Tikhonov (Russian: Виктор Васильевич Тихонов; born May 12, 1988 in Riga, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union) is a Russian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Severstal Cherepovets of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected 28th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and has played for both the Coyotes and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.

Tikhonov won a bronze medal in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championships with the Russian squad, in a game versus Team USA. He finished the tournament with five goals and two assists in seven games, and was named the Best Forward.

His grandfather is Viktor Vasilevich Tikhonov, the famous Russian ice hockey coach.

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. This was his third time entering the draft as he was passed over in his two previous years of eligibility.

Tikhonov currently blogs for The Hockey News' website.

He was loaned to Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL on November 27, 2009 for the remainder of the season.