Sergei Murashov, a 21-year-old goaltender from Yaroslavl, Russia, was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Reflecting on that moment, Murashov said, “To be honest, I didn’t really expect anything.” He was drafted 118th overall, the same position as Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin in 2014.
Upon learning of his selection while at home in Russia, Murashov recalled seeing his name and receiving calls from the Penguins organization. “My English those days wasn’t so good,” he admitted. “So all I could say was just, ‘I’m happy, I’m so happy, I’m very happy, and also, I’m so happy!'”
Murashov spent time developing with Loko in Russia’s junior league (MHL) and Lokomotiv in the KHL before moving to North America in summer 2024. In his first season with the Penguins organization, he achieved a record of 12-3 with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL and set a team rookie record with a 10-game win streak. Additionally, he posted a 17-7-1 record with Wheeling of the ECHL.
Off the ice, Murashov is known for his fun-loving nature and genuine personality. He humorously attributes this to being born on April Fool’s Day. He cherishes personal items like a tie decorated with Penguins logos from his girlfriend and calls Olaf from Frozen “a small part of his soul.”
Murashov enjoys exploring nature as a way to relax and refresh himself. “It’s my way to relax,” he said about traveling around North America during his time off from hockey games.
His favorite books are The Lord of the Rings trilogy which he has read both in Russian and English. “I actually realized how it’s kind of different in English (versus) Russian,” he noted.
A cerebral individual who loves learning new things outside hockey too; Sergei shows interest towards psychology inspired by mindfulness practices since teenage years after reading an influential book given by sister focusing on affirmations & visualizations: “In my life it’s really huge tool…to wake up with gratitude…it’s daily journey.”
As Roger Federer once stated about tennis courts not defining entirety beyond sports career; similarly Sergei feels same regarding hockey rink stating: “life is bigger than hockey.” His mindful approach aids him professionally as well personally enjoying every day: “I wish everyone finds this mindfulness…and helps themselves live best version their life.”
