Being in the limelight does not mean showing up everything personal, publically.
Here, same as the life of an ice hockey defenseman Andrei Markov who is not so famous among ice hockey fans, statistically.
In fact, he is such a quick and well-played player in his entire NHL career.
Simultaneously, facing all ups and downs while being on the team, Markov recorded an average score. Additionally, his injury added much more consequences to his career.
However, Markov’s personal issues with his ex-wife also added more responsibilities towards his kids.
Here is Andrei Markov’s quick biography, setting the career debuting from Canadians to becoming a Montreal Canadiens icon.
Starting from quick facts, let’s go through the lifestyle of Andrei Markov researching on the main point of his life as below:
Quick Facts:
Full Name | Andrei Viktorovich Markov |
Known as | Andrei Markov |
Nickname | Andrei |
Birth Date | December 20, 1978 |
Birth Place | Voskresensk, Moscow, Oblast, Russia |
Residence | Montreal, Canada |
Religion | Christian |
Nationality | Russia/Canada |
Ethnicity | White |
Education | Church Seminary |
Horoscope | N/A |
Father’s Name | Andrei Grigorievih Markov |
Mother’s Name | Nadezhda Petrovna |
Siblings | 1 (Mark Markov) |
Age | 45 years old |
Height | 6 feet (182 cm) |
Weight | 92 kg (203 lb) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Body type | Athletic |
Profession | Ice Hockey Player |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Natalia Streckova (divorced), Sonya Sonekha (current) |
Children | 3 |
Name of Children | Andrei and Mark (twin), daughter Vasilisa |
Beginning of Professional Career | 1996 |
Retirement | 2020 |
Shoots | L |
Sports team | Voskresensk Khimik, Moscow Dynamo, Montreal Canadiens, Kazan Ak-Bars |
Coach | N/A |
Honors | N/A |
Highlights& Awards | RSL All-Star Team, RSL Champion, World Championship, NHL All-Stat Game, KHL All-Star Game |
Net Worth | $35 million |
Prize Money | N/A |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
Merch | Signed Montreal Canadiens Puck, NHL Trading Card |
Last Update | November, 2024 |
Andrei Markov | Early Life, Family & Education
Andrei Viktorovich Markov shortly, Andrei Markov was born on December 20, 1978, in Voskresensk, Moscow Oblast, Russia.
He was born to parents Andrei Grigorievih Markov and Nadezhda Petrovna. His father used to be a member of the gentry.
To illustrate, Andrei’s father used to serve in St.Petersburg in the Forestry Department and also used to manage a private estate.
As for siblings, Andrei has a twin brother named Mark Markov. Their parents educated them at the church seminary, which later made them work as a church clerk.
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Andrei Markov | Ex-Wife
For instance, Andrei’s personal information is not so much in public. Still, it is so much uncommon to see such a talented player from Russia play for Canada.
Reportedly, Andrei was married to Natalia Streckova and had twin sons.
As of now, Markov is married to Sonya Sonechka. They tied the knot back in 2017.
Moreover, Andrei holds dual citizenship of Russian and Canadian having an ethnic background of Ashkenazic Jewish.
Back again in 2017, Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov was reported to be back in Moscow, Russia.
During the separation of Natalia and Morkov in Russia, Natalia was responsive to their twin sons. Consequently, 30-year old Streckova suffered from ovarian cancer.
Despite having another life partner, Markov was in touch with Natalia.
On the contrary, Markov explained, Natalia was physically deteriorating but continued to be optimistic. She really believed she could beat the disease.
Afterward, Markov was in the middle of the season, and he got news about his beloved ex-wife Natalia’s demise.
Before her demise, Markov’s current partner Sonya Sonechka also met her, along with her 10-month-old baby.
Sonya earlier promised Natalia that she would take care of her twin child and Markov as well.
After all of this, Markov immediately went back to Russia to bring his twin sons to Canada, stating no one can replace Natalia.
Subsequently, Markov hopes to have a big, happy family with his remaining family member, including his 10-month-old daughter and her mother, Sonya.
With the same motive, Markov brought his sons from Moscow to Montreal as he acquired Canada’s citizenship.
Andrei Markov | Professional Life and Family
From the early age of 18, Andrei started playing for the Russian Team called Khimik Voskresensk. Being a pretty shy but quick player, Andrei played for about 5 years in Russia.
Simultaneously, he was also associated with the teams like Dynamo Moskva, including Russia’s national team under 18 and 20.
Andrei played Euro HL, EHT, and Continental Cup just in the year between 1998-2005.
Later, in 2000, Andrei debuted in Canada from Montreal Canadiens for NHL and Quebec Citadelles for AHL.
Meanwhile, up until 2004, Andrei completely devoted himself to Canada. From there, Andrei started playing in NHL representing Canada.
However, during international level games, he played representing Russia.
Career Stats
Markov specifically has no strong weaknesses. He served 16 years exclusively with the Canadians.
During his last season, Markov manufactured, giving 572 points (119 goals, 453 assists) over 990 career contests. Markov is still believed to give an average of 21:50 of ice time as well.
Further leaving Canada to join the KHL for the 2017-18 campaign, Markov served 16 seasons only with the Habs.
While being on those 16 seasons, he scored 990 games, tallying 119 goals, 453 helpers, and 505 PIM. Despite his lots of dedication, Andrei never able to lift Lord Stanley’s cup.
The best thing was just after serving Canada for a decade through Hockey, Andrei received Canada’s citizenship in early 2010.
Andrei Markov | Injury
Earlier, back in early 2017, Markov’s lower body, specifically his groin, got injured. For so reason, Markov had to miss 13 games in a row.
Additionally, there were lingering symptoms of the same lower-body injury.
Accordingly, there was no definite timetable for him to return. Meanwhile, Markov cleared to play after missing 19 games having rest for a month.
In the final analysis of the season, Markov was still able to score solid 36 points in 62 games.
The score might be quite disappointing to some, but Markov had done best from his side. Eventually, that was the first time Markov sat in at least 80 games.
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Andrei Markov as the Captain
On the contrary, for the 28th captain of the Montreal Canadiens, the speculation was continuous to swirl. Further, there were also some reports saying Andrei Markov was offered the captaincy.
But, as Markov declined the offer, head coach Jacques Martin denied further information about the report.
Further, it has been said that Markov was the top choice of everyone to be the successor to Saku Koivu in the position of leader of the Canadiens.
Besides him, other candidates to wear “C” were Maxim Lapierre, newcomer Scott Gomez, and dark horse Josh Gorges.
Before this, Josh also captained the Kelowna Rockets to a Memorial Cup back in 2004.
To illustrate, Francois Gagnon of the Gazette had also nominated himself for the captain to defenseman Romana Hamrlik.
Similarly, many other teammates were enthusiastic about being a leader with a quality that perfectly resonates with the fans and other players.
On the contrary, despite not being officially offered for captaincy, Markov was never the coach and GM choice.
Further, it is reported because he has a hesitant attitude towards being captain and not so much. In fact, there is no hope for Markov to wear “C” anytime in his career.
Andrei Markov | Retirement
Back in the year 2020, Andrei Markov announced retirement from his ice hockey career, lastly spending the past three seasons playing in the KHL.
Despite all of the goals, achievements, and awards, Markov’s dedication to the game also includes another 89 playoff games.
Andrei Markov | Awards and Honors
1995 – U18 EJC Gold Medal
1996 – U20 WJC Bronze Medal
1997/1998 – U20 WJC All-Star Team/ U20 WJC Silver Medal
1999/2000 – RSL All-Star Team/RSL Champion/Most Valuable Player (RSL)
2004/2005 – Continental Cup Best Defenseman/RSL Champion/ World Championship Best Plus/Minus/ World Championship Bronze Medal
2006/2007 – The World Championship All-Star Team/World Championship Best Defenseman/World Championship Bronze Medal
2007/2008 – NHL All-Star Game/World Championship Gold Medal/World Championship Top 3 Player on Team
2008/2009 – NHL All-Star Game/NHL Most Assists by Defenseman (52)
2012/2013 – KHL All-Star Game (Selected, did not play)
2017/2018 – KHL All-Star Game/KHL Gagarin Cup Champion
Being associated with highly paid countries like Russia and Canada, Andrei’s net worth was $35 million.
According to the sources, his contract with the Canadiens is worth $5.75 million annually.
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Social Media Presence:
Andrei Markov is quite active on social media. He mostly uses Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Likewise, Andrei usually posts family gathering photos and news about NHL on his social handles. You can follow him via these links.
Instagram: 1,177 followers
Twitter: 1298 followers
What actually was happened to Natalia?
Natalia had ovarian cancer for so long. Despite her weakness physically she was so strong and motivated till her death took apart back in 2017.
And for now, her twin sons are responsible for their father and stepmother, Sonya Sonekha.
What is the Jersey number of Andrei Markov?
No matter which color it is, Markov wears a number 79 jersey.
When actually was Andrei Markov drafted in Canada?
Montreal Canadiens drafted Andrei Markov- round 6 #162 overall 1998 NHL Entry Draft.