Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Master chef: “I make a great lobster thermidor. When I was young, my grandfather would often cook a large meal, and all of the neighborhood kids would come over for lunch.”
On being a role model: “I’m no longer responsible just for me. I’m responsible for setting a good example and teaching my kids. And I’m relatively young, so physically I can keep up with them! Our shared interests of soccer and hockey connect us. It’s not hard to be their dad; they’re really good kids.”
On running a tight ship: “Yana and I are both fairly strict and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes rules about bedtime and meals. The kids can get upset with the schedule and regimen, but we also have a lot of fun and praise the kids when they’re doing something right.”
Cold-blooded: “Growing up in Russia, we were outside all the time playing soccer and hockey—even in 40-degree weather. We didn’t play video games!”
Family time: “We play games and have a hockey rink in the basement. In the offseason, I’m around all the time. We hang out and go to parks, the playground, and The Magic House.”
Life principles: “If you do something, do it 100 percent. If it’s fun, then treat it as fun. If it’s a school test, a practice, or a game, give it your all.”
Yana's take: “Vladi is very attentive while at home. During the travel season, we stay in touch via FaceTime. Sasha knows that when Daddy wears a suit, it means he might be absent for several days, and he's OK with that. They both understand that we are a sports family. They’re proud of it and try to be just like Dad.”
Basic Stats
- Age: 26
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 225
- Family: Wife, Yana, and children, Mark, 11, and Aleksandr (Sasha), 2
- Job: St. Louis Blues right winger
- Right- or left-handed? Right
Update: On June 6, 2019, as the Blues played in the Stanley Cup, the Tarasenkos welcomed their third son.
