There is a very specific reason that Ivan Provorov will not play soccer before a game. The Flyers defensemen has sworn it off since early in his career.
Most hockey players enjoy a game of two-touch soccer before warming up. It helps loosen up and is always good for a few laughs. But Ivan Provorov is not one of those who takes part. There is a very specific reason the Flyers defensemen will not take part.
We go back to October 18th, 2016. The Flyers were taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. It was not a pretty game all around as the Flyers lost 7-4. The third game of his career was not a pretty one for Provorov. He ended up a -5 in that one.
What was even more surprising is what took place during the Blackhawks second goal. It was early in his career, but Provorov had already shown how much of an efficient skater he was. While trying to recover a puck in the Flyers zone, he stumbled badly and ended up falling over.
Dennis Rasmussen would grab the loose puck and easily score on Michal Neuvirth. It was a rare rookie mistake from Provorov. But it visibly shook him and still remains with him to this day.
There were a few other small mistakes from Provorov in that game. A missed poke check and sliding too early helped lead to other Hawks goals. But none were bigger than the moment mentioned above.
According to Provorov, he felt he didn’t have his best play starting with the game. He decided to change things up. And that included refusing to take play in the pre-game soccer matches. He wouldn’t even go near the ball if he came his way.
Especially when members of the equipment staff would hide the ball in his gear.
"“Yeah, it drove me nuts,” Provorov said with a laugh. “I’d be like, ‘Hey, come get this out of my stall because I ain’t touching it.’”"
Provorov showed his true colors when the Flyers took on the Blackhawks a few months later. He scored two goals in 31 seconds to help lead the Flyers to a 3-1 victory. He also ended up saving a goal, swiping away a puck that bounced off the shoulder of Steve Mason.
Looks like swearing off the soccer ball games have helped Provorov.