The legend of Ivan Demidov is only just beginning ā but already, shocking new details are emerging about the Canadiensā ādemigodā that even die-hard fans never saw coming. At just 19 years old, Montrealās Russian prodigy is carrying the weight of a city desperate for glory, and his story is packed with twists, secrets, and unbelievable dedication.
Demidov, drafted 5th overall in 2024, stunned fans when he chose jersey #93 ā a bold tribute to Montrealās last Stanley Cup win in 1993. It wasnāt a random choice; it was a declaration of war on decades of disappointment. But behind the number lies an athlete obsessed with perfection: Demidov trains in complete darkness, practicing stickhandling until his hands bleed, a method so extreme it left his own father speechless.

The ādemigodā nickname didnāt come from teammates or coaches ā it was born on internet fan forums before he even arrived in Montreal, where believers anointed him as the savior. Lesser players would crumble under such crushing pressure, but Demidov thrives on it. His response? āI donāt think about that. I think about my next shift.ā
From dazzling on the streets of Sergiev Posad to breaking Kirill Kaprizovās KHL rookie scoring records, Demidov has already proven heās not just another prospect. Heās building himself into a phenomenon. Off the ice, his relationship with longtime girlfriend Katya anchors him, giving him the balance and focus needed to survive hockeyās most unforgiving spotlight.
And if that wasnāt enough to electrify fans, Demidov is embracing Montreal fully ā learning French to connect with teammates and supporters, proving heās committed not only to winning games but also to becoming part of the cityās fabric. NHL legend Ilia Kovalchuk has publicly declared his faith in the teenager, calling him āmature beyond his yearsā and destined to thrive where others falter.
Now, as the season looms, the question isnāt whether Demidov is ready. Itās whether the world is ready for Demidov. He carries a cityās hunger, a franchiseās history, and a fan baseās faith on his shoulders. The boy they called a ādemigodā may be about to ascend into something far greater: a superstar capable of rewriting hockeyās future.