The Laval Rocket are turning to a familiar face to help guide their goaltending corps through the rest of the 2025-26 season, naming Ilia Ejov as their interim goalie coach.
Ejov isn’t a stranger to the Canadiens organization-he was on the ice as a guest coach during the team’s most recent development camp, offering insight and instruction to the club’s young netminders. Now, he steps into a more prominent role with Laval, bringing a wealth of experience from a long professional career between the pipes.
And that experience runs deep. Ejov logged 13 seasons in the KHL, spanning from 2011-12 through 2023-24.
That’s a significant stretch in one of the most competitive leagues outside the NHL, and it gives Laval’s goaltenders a mentor who’s seen just about everything the position can throw at you. His presence behind the bench adds a layer of credibility and practical knowledge that can be invaluable to young goalies still finding their footing in the pro ranks.
Before his time in the KHL, Ejov made his mark in North America with a two-year stint in the QMJHL, suiting up for the St. John's Fog Devils during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. That junior experience, combined with his professional résumé, gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to progress through the developmental ladder.
There’s also a communication edge here. Ejov speaks French, English, and Russian-an underrated but important asset in a league as diverse as the AHL. That kind of multilingual fluency can go a long way in building trust and clarity between coach and player, especially in a position as mentally demanding as goaltending.
For Laval, this move brings in a steady hand with a global playing background and a growing connection to the organization. For Ejov, it’s a chance to make a direct impact on the next wave of Canadiens goaltending talent.