Aleksey Nikiforov
Aleksey Nikiforov is a Lithuanian ice hockey coach and former player for Dinamo Riga. He is the father of Tulsa Oilers winger Vladimir Nikiforov. He resides in Long Island where he teaches people of various skill capabilities how to play the game.Early life
Nikiforov was born in Elektrėnai, Lithuania.Coaching career
Aleksey currently coaches the PAL Jr. Islanders 16u AAA team. He previously coached the New York Junior Bobcats of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. He is credited with teaching many Long Island hockey products the game. He teaches a European style of hockey, as opposed to the North American style. This European style focuses on skating speed, puck possession, and puck movement, while the North American style focuses more on bodychecking and overall physical domination. The translation of this style is apparent in his American-born students such as Chris Higgins of the Vancouver Canucks, Matt Gilroy and New Jersey Devils 2006 NHL Draft pick Tony Romano.
