Ilya Sorokin

Ilya Sorokin is a Russian goaltender who has anchored the New York Islanders since 2020, earning NHL Second All-Star Team honors in 2023.

Ilya Igorevich Sorokin was born on 4 August 1995 in Mezhdurechensk, Russia, and began his career with local club Vympel Mezhdurechensk before joining Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the Kontinental Hockey League as a 17-year-old in 2012, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's most promising young goaltenders. The New York Islanders selected Sorokin in the third round, 78th overall, of the 2014 NHL Draft, though he continued his development in Russia for several more seasons, moving to CSKA Moscow and establishing himself as one of the finest goaltenders outside the NHL before finally joining the Islanders organisation. Sorokin developed into one of the league's most technically sound and reliable goaltenders upon his North American debut, renowned for his calm positioning, exceptional rebound control, and consistency in the crease across a full 82-game season. Sorokin has continued to anchor the Islanders' crease, representing Russia internationally when eligible, and remains one of the most highly regarded goaltenders to have transitioned successfully from the KHL to elite NHL competition in recent years.

Sorokin is known for his exceptional positioning, quick reflexes, and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. His technical fundamentals are strong, featuring excellent rebound control and the ability to track pucks through traffic. He combines traditional goaltending techniques with modern athleticism, making difficult saves look routine.

Sorokin represents the continued excellence of Russian goaltending in the NHL, following in the tradition of elite netminders from his home country.

• NHL Second All-Star Team (2023)
• NHL All-Star Game selection (2023)