Q&A: Draft picks Maksim Sokolovskii and Brek Liske share their impressions of Philly, Flyers memories, and more
The new Flyers answered questions while touring the heart exhibit at the Franklin Institute.
It’s called the Giant Heart, but for Flyers’ first-round draft pick Maksim Sokolovskii, even that’s not big enough.
The 6-foot-7 defenseman ducked as he made his way into the popular exhibit at the Franklin Institute, navigating narrow stairways and the twists and turns of the heart’s anatomy. Leading the way was Flyers’ second-round draft pick Brek Liske.
Less than a minute later, the two players appeared at the top of the heart, waving to those watching from floor as they capped a very Philly adventure for two of the city’s newest athletes.
It was a busy first week, which included attending Flyers development camp. And as part of the camp, all six of the team’s draft picks, alongside current players like Porter Martone and Denver Barkey, attended an autograph session at the Franklin Institute, where they met fans and took in new sights along the way.
We caught up with Liske and Sokolovskii to discuss their time in Philly, their game-day soundtracks, and more:
Q. What did you know about Philly before you were drafted to the Flyers?
Sokolovskii: I just know all the Russian guys [who] played here.
Liske: I’ve been here a few times when I was younger. Been to the practice facility. I know it’s a pretty cool city with passionate fans. That’s about it. It’s cool seeing behind the scenes.
Q. And what’s the city been like for you so far?
Liske: It’s been pretty cool. Even just driving through, there’s lots to take in, right? Lots of Flyers stuff everywhere. It’s awesome to see.
Sokolovskii: Yeah, good downtown, good big city. All of the fans.
» READ MORE: Maksim Sokolovskii ‘mauls’ teammates, a former Flyer’s son impresses, and more from development camp
Q. And have you tried a cheesesteak yet?
Liske: I did when I was younger. I’ll have to have it again. It was a good experience. Yeah, I’ll absolutely have to try.
Sokolovskii: I’ve never had [one].
Liske: Oh, we did [on Tuesday]. The slider thing. The roll. The cheesesteak roll.
Sokolovskii: Oh yeah. … not bad.
Q. Brek, what was it like for you growing up as a Flyers fan in Winnipeg?
Liske: Lots of people chirping at me, I guess. [There are] a lot of Jets fans in Winnipeg, so [I’m] happy to be actually a part of [the Flyers] now and they can’t say much anymore.
Q. And your dad is a die-hard Flyers fan. What’s his favorite piece of Flyers memorabilia that he owns?
Liske: I don’t know. His favorite player was [Claude] Giroux, for sure. He loved [Rod] Brind’Amour and [Rick] Tocchet as well. So, not memorabilia, but those are his favorite guys.
Q. Do you have a favorite Flyers memory from your past visits?
Liske: Probably just getting the Shayne Gostisbehere signed stick. That’s pretty cool. Still have it in my room. … It’s mounted, so that’s the best thing.
Q. And, Maksim, English isn’t your first language. What’s been a way that you’ve been trying to learn the language?
Sokolovskii: Just talking, trying talking with everyone, and watching movies.
Liske: He’s been good. He’s been really good.
Q. What’s your go-to music to listen to ahead of game day?
Sokolovskii: Drake, I listen to Drake.
Liske: Yeah, me too. A bit of everything. Whatever I’m feeling like, but, good answer.
Sokolovskii: I listen to Russian.
Q. What’s been the biggest challenge for you playing hockey as such a taller guy?
Sokolovskii: Nothing.
Liske: I like that.
Q. Brek, I know you’re already a Philly sports fan. But Maksim, what have you heard about Philly sports fans?
Sokolovskii: They’re crazy, crazy fans. I like it.
» READ MORE: The Flyers believe they have a ‘unicorn’ in Maksim Sokolovskii: ‘He’s 6-foot-8, and he skates like he’s 5-foot-8′
