DEV CAMP: Petrov made big strides in first full year in North America

EDMONTON, AB - One year ago, Matvey Petrov was in Edmonton for the first time attending Oilers Development Camp as a sixth-round pick of the organization at the 2021 NHL Draft.
For what he lacked in experience with the English language, he made up with his deadly wrist-shot release and pure enthusiasm for being on the ice with his new teammates.
Flash forward to Monday and Petrov was back at Rogers Place for his second Development Camp, showing that same exuberance and excitement to be around fellow Oilers prospects and camp invites while demonstrating his incredible improved ability to shoot the puck and speak his second language.
"Just meet the guys. It's a great experience to be here," Petrov said of attending his second Oilers Development Camp on Monday. "The coaches talk a lot about the Edmonton Oilers system and we're just learning. It's an awesome time here."
It was a monstrous season for Petrov both on and off the ice during his first full season in North America, playing for the North Bay Battalion and adjusting to life and hockey away from his home country of Russia.
Video: DEV CAMP | Matvey Petrov 07.11.22

Petrov arrived in North Bay this past September for his first full season with the Battalion after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from playing for the OHL club that selected him as their first-overall pick in the 2020 CHL Import Draft.
From the start, adjusting to a new language and country was difficult for Petrov. But with the support of his billet family in North Bay, Mike and Kelly Kerr Beaulieu, he was able to slowly improve with patience and a drive to learn.
"When I came to Canada a year ago, I just didn't know the English language," Petrov said. "That was pretty tough the first two months probably, but my billets, I was very happy to be with them. They helped me improve every day just talking to me. Right now, it's pretty good I think."
On the ice, Petrov and his Battalion head coach were able to communicate in simple terms early on in their relationship when it came to playing hockey.
Video: DEV CAMP | Day 1 07.11.22
"The head coach for the Battalion (Ryan) Oulahen said: 'You've got a shot. You're the best shot on our team. Just take some shots on goal everywhere and just shoot the puck.'
"I just took the opportunity and scored a lot of goals. That was pretty good."
The 19-year-old blew expectations out of the water, finishing ninth in OHL scoring with 40 goals and 90 points in the regular season before helping the Battalion to a Conference Final exit against the Hamilton Bulldogs with 10 points in 13 games.
"It was actually pretty good. It was an awesome season for me," he said. "It was my first year in North America playing hockey. We did a pretty good job during the regular season and lost in the Conference Final. That was pretty tough, actually, but it was a pretty good season for me and the team."
Tweet from @OHLBattalion: Another one for #22!👏#WeBleedGreen | @EdmontonOilers pic.twitter.com/wbml5rWgzf
Petrov is looking forward to heading back for the summer to his home of Gus-Khrustalny, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Moscow, to see his family for the first time in nearly a year while continuing to practice with coaches and friends before returning to Edmonton for Rookie Camp in September.
His focus will be on the Edmonton Oilers there, but the future potential of returning to North Bay for his second full season with the Battalion in hopes of finding further success with the OHL club excites him.
"I think I'll go back to the Bay," Petrov said. "I talked to my GM for North Bay and he said we will be stronger next season. I will help the team to be in the Memorial Cup."