Ilya Sorokin was born on April 8, 1995 in Mezhdurechensk, Russia. Growing up, he lived with his parents in the small town, where he developed a love for sports at a young age. He began playing hockey as a kid with Metallurg Novokuznetsk, a local youth team, before also joining the youth soccer team Kuznetskie Medvedi. Sorokin showed early promise in both sports, but ultimately chose to pursue a career in hockey.
In 2014, Sorokin was selected as a third round pick by the New York Islanders in the NHL draft. This marked the beginning of his professional hockey career, as he moved to North America to join the Islanders organization. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented goaltender, impressing coaches and fans alike with his skill and determination on the ice.
Throughout his time with the Islanders, Sorokin also had the opportunity to represent his home country of Russia on the international stage. He became a key member of the Russian men's national team, showcasing his abilities in tournaments such as the Winter Olympics. In 2018, he helped Team Russia secure a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, solidifying his status as one of the top goaltenders in the world.
Sorokin made his official NHL debut with the Islanders in January 2021, facing off against their crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers. While the game ended in a 5-0 loss for the Islanders, Sorokin's performance on the ice showed glimpses of his potential to become a star goaltender in the league.
As his career progressed, Sorokin continued to impress with his skill and dedication to the game. In 2023, he signed an eight-year, $66 million contract extension with the Islanders, further solidifying his place as a key player for the team. Standing at 6'3", Sorokin's imposing presence in the net made him a formidable opponent for opposing teams.
Off the ice, Sorokin remains close to his roots in Russia, staying connected to his family and hometown despite his busy schedule as a professional athlete. He credits his upbringing in Mezhdurechensk for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance, which have served him well throughout his career.
As Ilya Sorokin continues to make a name for himself in the world of hockey, his dedication to the game and his team will be remembered for years to come. With a gold medal from the Winter Olympics and a lucrative contract extension with the Islanders under his belt, Sorokin's future looks bright as he strives to cement his legacy as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.