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Monday, 28 May 2012
Sunday, 27 May 2012
2012 KHL Entry Draft
On Saturday, the Kontinental Hockey League held its
annual Entry Draft. Young players from all over Russia eagerly waited to see
their future professional hockey.
The Ceremony began with a draw to decide who would
receive the first overall pick. The teams that were in the draw were those that
finished in the lowest place during the regular season (Vityaz, Avtomobilist,
Sibir and also included was Lokomotiv as a part of the leagues plans to restore
the club).
Sibir won the draw and appeared to be all set to
make the first draft pick of 2012. When the time came, it was representatives
from SKA standing on the podium looking to make a pick. Sibir sacrificed the
pick in exchange for the rights to defenseman Johan Fransson.
Denis Alexanderov joing the celebrations at World U17 |
With the First overall pick SKA selected defenseman
Denis Alexanderov a graduate of Moscow's Krylya Sovetov hockey school.
The 11th overall pick offered an interesting twist
in the scheme of things. The KHL Scouting Bureau had forward Valery Nichushkin
as the number one rated player going in. He was Selected by Dinamo Minsk but
was claimed by Traktor Chelyabinsk based on the right of first choice.
Nichushkin is the graduate of Traktors own school giving the first
choice.
The draft wasn't short of surprises as yet again
there was a shock in the second round. Spartak attempted to draft Andrei
Alexeyev after Lokomotiv had attempted to do the same. Both teams were denied
when Dynamo Moscow claimed Alexeyev as a protected player. Since Spartak did
this after Lokomotiv, they were punished by forfeiting the pick.
At the end of the day, 166 players were selected over 5 rounds. The picks
for the first 2 rounds are as follows:
Round 1
No.
|
Club
|
Player
|
School/Club
|
Protection
|
1
|
SKA / Sibir
|
Alexandrov Denis
|
Krylya Sovetov
| |
2
|
Lokomotiv
|
Barkov Aleksander
|
Tappara
| |
3
|
Ak Bars / Vityaz
|
Valiyev Rinat
|
Ak Bars
| |
4
|
CSKA / Avtomobilist
|
Zadorov Nikita
|
CSKA
| |
5
|
Atlant / Spartak
|
Baldayev Viktor
|
Kristall
| |
6
|
CSKA
|
Boiko Vladislav
|
Krylya Sovetov
| |
7
|
Neftekhimik
|
Faksa Radek
|
Kitchener
| |
8
|
Metallurg Nk
|
Goldobin Nikolai
|
Vityaz
| |
9
|
Dinamo Riga
|
Bukarts Rihards
|
Kapitan
| |
10
|
Yugra
|
Yudin Dmitry
|
Sputnik
| |
11
|
Dinamo Minsk
|
Nichushkin Valery
|
Traktor
|
1/5
|
12
|
Dinamo Minsk
|
Graborenko Roman
|
Cape Breton
| |
13
|
Amur
|
Ristolainen Rasmus
|
TPS
| |
14
|
Severstal
|
Hertl Tomas
|
Slavia
| |
15
|
Barys
|
Zinchenko Stanislav
|
Avangard
|
1/5
|
16
|
Barys
|
Fishchenko Ivan
|
Avangard
|
2/5
|
17
|
Barys
|
Ibraibekov Madiyar
|
Barys
| |
18
|
CSKA / Atlant
|
Filonenko Andrei
|
CSKA
| |
19
|
Salavat Yulaev
|
Gernat Martin
|
Edmonton
| |
20
|
SKA / Torpedo
|
Stetsenko Sergei
|
CSKA
|
1/5
|
21
|
SKA / Torpedo
|
Tikhonov Mikhail
|
Rus
| |
22
|
Ak Bars
|
Galeyev Ruzal
|
Ak Bars
| |
23
|
Avangard
|
Pokka Ville
|
Karpat
| |
24
|
Metallurg Mg
|
Bazanov Ruslan
|
CSKA
| |
25
|
Metallurg Nk / Dynamo M
|
Buchnevich Pavel
|
Severstal
|
1/5
|
26
|
Metallurg Nk / Dynamo M
|
Ikonen Juuso
|
Espoo Blues
| |
27
|
Torpedo / SKA
|
Kuleshov Artyom
|
Krylya Sovetov
| |
28
|
CSKA / Traktor
|
Tolchinsky Sergei
|
CSKA
| |
29
|
Donbass
|
Lysenko Vladislav
|
Atlant
|
1/5
|
30
|
Donbass
|
Lindholm Hampus
|
Rogle
| |
31
|
Lev
|
Rachunek Tomas
|
Sparta
| |
32
|
Slovan
|
Dano Marko
|
Trencin
|
Round 2
No.
|
Club
|
Player
|
School/Club
|
Protection
|
1
|
Lokomotiv
|
Barbashev Ivan
|
Dynamo M
|
1/5
|
2
|
Lokomotiv
|
Alexeyev Andrei
|
Dynamo M
|
2/5
|
3
|
Lokomotiv
|
Dikushin Grigory
|
CSKA
|
2/5
|
4
|
Lokomotiv
|
Serebryakov Nikita
|
Dynamo M
|
3/5
|
5
|
Lokomotiv
|
Gavrikov Vladislav
|
Lokomotiv
| |
6
|
Ak Bars / Vityaz
|
Shakhvorostov Viktor
|
Ak Bars
| |
7
|
Yugra / Avtomobilist
|
Zabavin Konstantin
|
Traktor
|
2/5
|
8
|
Yugra / Avtomobilist
|
Sharov Alexander
|
Traktor
|
3/5
|
9
|
Yugra / Avtomobilist
|
Baltisberger Phil
|
GCK Zurich
| |
10
|
Sibir
|
Rakell Rickard
|
Plymouth
| |
11
|
Spartak
|
Shestyorkin Igor
|
Krylya Sovetov
| |
12
|
CSKA
|
Mamin Maxim
|
CSKA
| |
13
|
Metallurg Mg / Neftekhimik
|
Zakarlyukin Alexei
|
Traktor
|
4/5
|
14
|
Metallurg Mg / Neftekhimik
|
Medvedev Pavel
|
Dynamo M
| |
15
|
Metallurg Nk
|
Zharkov Daniil
|
Belleville Bulls
| |
16
|
Dinamo Riga
|
Golovkovs Georgs
|
Metallurg Liepaja Jr.
| |
17
|
Spartak / Yugra
|
Okulov Konstantin
|
Sibir
|
1/5
|
18
|
Spartak / Yugra
|
Zykov Valentin
|
CSKA
|
3/5
|
19
|
Spartak / Yugra
| |||
20
|
Metallurg Nk / Dinamo Minsk
|
Vorobev Kirill
|
CSKA
|
4/5
|
21
|
Metallurg Nk / Dinamo Minsk
|
Sharov Alexander
|
CSKA
|
5/5
|
22
|
Metallurg Nk / Dinamo Minsk
|
Tikkinen Niklas
|
Blues Jr.
| |
23
|
Amur
|
Gustafsson Johan
|
Lulea
| |
24
|
Severstal
|
Bystrom Ludvig
|
MODO
| |
25
|
SKA / Barys
|
Lehkonen Artturi
|
KalPa Jr.
| |
26
|
Atlant
|
Volkov Vyacheslav
|
CSKA
| |
27
|
Salavat Yulaev
|
Dubinin Roman
|
| |
28
|
Torpedo
|
Dyachenko Sergei
|
Rus
| |
29
|
Ak Bars
|
Trubkin Ruslan
|
Ak Bars
| |
30
|
Avangard
|
Glukhov Nikolai
|
Avangard
| |
31
|
Metallurg Mg
|
Mazhuga Yegor
|
Avangard
|
3/5
|
32
|
Metallurg Mg
|
Zykov Pavel
|
CSKA
| |
33
|
Dynamo M
|
Bryukvin Vladimir
|
Dynamo M
| |
34
|
SKA
|
Aberg Pontus
|
Djurgarden
| |
35
|
Traktor
|
Ionin Vladimir
|
Traktor
| |
36
|
Donbass
|
Vainonen Mikko
|
HIFK
| |
37
|
Lev
|
Mozik Vojtech
|
Mlada Boleslav
| |
38
|
Slovan
|
Reway Martin
|
Sparta Praha Jr.
|
KHL 11/12 Awards
The third season of the Kontinental Hockey League
concluded on Wednesday with the award ceremony. Awards were spread out across
20 categories, honoring the leagues heroes.
The Vsevolod Bobrov Prize - is
awarded to the team that produces the most goals during the regular season and
playoffs. This years winner is SKA St. Petersburg who scored 254 goals in 69
games.
The trophy for the Leagues top goalscorer - went to
Barys forward Brandon Bochenski, who recorded a total of 27 goals in 49 games.
Alexander Radulov |
The trophy for the Leagues top scorer - Salavat
Yulaev forward Alexander Radulov with 25 goals and 38 assists in 50 games.
The award for the highest scoring defensman - Was
awarded to Barys Kevin Dallman, who collected 54 points in 53 games.
The "Sekunda"(Split Second) prize - is
awarded to the players who score the earliest and latest goals in a KHL Game. Dynamo
Moscow’s Marek Kvapil who scored a mere 9 seconds into a game against Spartak
recorded the earliest goal. The latest goal came at the 12:06 minute mark in
triple overtime, when Ak Bars Danis Zarapov ended a playoff game against
Traktor.
The Valentin Sych award - is awarded to the
individual who best exemplifies leadership for his club in management. This year’s
award went to Dynamo Moscow's President Mikhail Tyurkin.
The Andrei Starovoitov award - Is awarded to the season’s
best referee, which is Vyacheslav Bulanov of Moscow for 11/12.
Tony Martensson |
The award for the MVP - is awarded to the player
that produces the best +/- during regular season play. This year’s winner is
SKA's Tony Martensson, who in 54 games erred an overall rating of +35.
The "Iron Man" award - Was awarded to the
player who competed in the most games over the last three seasons, was given to
Avangard forward Alexander Perezhogin, who had 208 games played.
The "Best Trolka" award - is awarded to
the highest scoring combination of forwards during the regular season. This
years winners are Barys' Alexei Morozov - Niko Kapanen and Danis Zaripov, who
combined for 46 goals.
The award for the best coach - Dynamo Moscow's Oleg
Znarok.
The trophy for Services to Hockey - Awarded to the
greatest hockey veteran to make a valuable contribution to his teams success.
This year's award was given to the first player with 1000 games at the top
national level, Avtomobilist's forward Andrei Subbotin.
The Alexei Cherepanov prize - Awarded to the top
rookie, this year’s winner is Amur's Dmitry Lugin.
The "Gentleman on Ice" award - is given
to one defensman and one forward for sports excellence and impeccable behavior.
Dinamo Riga defenseman Krisjanis Redlihs(57 games,
7 goals, 16 assists, +15, and 14 penalty minutes). SKA forward Tony
Martensson(69 games, 24 goals, 41 assists, +33, and 12 penalty minutes).
The award
for best Goaltender - Dynamo Moscow's Alexander Yeryomenko put up an impressive
.920SV% as well as a 1.90GAA.
The
"Golden Stick" award - Is given to the most valuable player of the
regular season, was awarded to Alexander Radulov for the third time in as many
seasons.
The
"Golden Helmet" award - is awarded to the six players selected
as the All-Star team of the season.
•
Goaltender
Alexander Yeryomenko (Dynamo Moscow).
•
Defenseman
Dmitry Kalinin (SKA).
•
Defenseman
Kevin Dallman (Barys).
•
Forward
Alexander Radulov (Salavat Yulaev)
•
Forward
Roman Cervenka (Avangard)
•
Forward
Mikhail Anisin (Dynamo Moscow)
The award
for the best hockey journalist - Awarded to the creative team at Hockey24 TV.
The title of
"Best Television Channel" - Given to Omsk Regional TV-Radio Company.
The award
for the best hockey commentator - awarded to KHL-TV's Oleg Mosalev.
From this
season the KHL Medical Center is to recognize and reward the best team
doctors. This award is given to the best doctors out of all three
leagues(KHL, VHL and YHL). The first ever recipient of the award is the
family of Dr. Andrei Zimin, who for over 20 years had treated players in
Yaroslavl. Sadly he perished in the tragic air crash of team Lokomotiv on
September 7, 2011.
Lokomotiv |
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Ducks Sign Viktor Fasth
The Anaheim Ducks have signed Swedish goaltender; Viktor Fasth to a 1 year, one-way contract worth 1 million dollars. The 29 year old has been drawing interest from many NHL clubs over the past two years.
Fasth has spent his entire career in Sweden. He has played in several leagues, such as: division 1, division 2, Allvenskan and of course the SEL. He was named the SEL's top goaltender for the past two seasons. He is the first goalie to do that since Henrik Lundqvist did it in 2000-01 and 2001-02. This past season, playing for AIK of the Swedish Elite League, Fasth posted a 2.04 goals against average and a .934 save percentage in 46 games. Fasth has also been a standout for the Swedes at the past two World Championships. He was named the Most Valuable Player and the Top Goaltender at the 2011 World Championships.
The Anaheim Ducks may have struck a gem here even though he is 29. Current NHL goaltenders; Tim Thomas, Niklas Backstrom and his Duck teammate; Jonas Hiller have all become goalies despite not playing in the NHL until their older 20's or young 30's. It is a very low-risk, high-reward type of contract and it could turn out very beneficial for both the Ducks and Fasth.
Ducks Signing Rating: A, great goaltender in Sweden and if he can continue his incredible play in the NHL this will be a great signing for the Anaheim Ducks
Fasth has spent his entire career in Sweden. He has played in several leagues, such as: division 1, division 2, Allvenskan and of course the SEL. He was named the SEL's top goaltender for the past two seasons. He is the first goalie to do that since Henrik Lundqvist did it in 2000-01 and 2001-02. This past season, playing for AIK of the Swedish Elite League, Fasth posted a 2.04 goals against average and a .934 save percentage in 46 games. Fasth has also been a standout for the Swedes at the past two World Championships. He was named the Most Valuable Player and the Top Goaltender at the 2011 World Championships.
Ducks Signing Rating: A, great goaltender in Sweden and if he can continue his incredible play in the NHL this will be a great signing for the Anaheim Ducks
Buffalo Extend Contract with Sulzer
The Buffalo Sabres have resigned defenseman; Alexander Sulzer to a one year contract worth 725,000 dollars. He was selected 92nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2003 NHL draft.
The 27 year old, Germany native was acquired at the trade deadline from the Vancouver Canucks along with Cody Hogdson for Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani. Sulzer spent the 2011-12 campaign playing in the NHL for both the Canucks and the Sabres. Sulzer played 12 games with the Canucks, recording 1 assist and he played 15 games for the Sabres, scoring 3 goals along with 5 assists. Sulzer got more ice time in Buffalo and he showed that he is capable of producing offensively.
Sulzer has played 89 career National Hockey League games with the Predators, Panthers, Canucks and now, Sabres. He has totaled 4 goals, 12 assists and 26 penalty minutes.
Buffalo Signing Rating: B, solid bottom 3 defenseman with offensive upside if he gets time on the power-play unit
Sulzer has played 89 career National Hockey League games with the Predators, Panthers, Canucks and now, Sabres. He has totaled 4 goals, 12 assists and 26 penalty minutes.
Buffalo Signing Rating: B, solid bottom 3 defenseman with offensive upside if he gets time on the power-play unit
The Canes Extend Three Contracts
The Carolina Hurricanes have extended contracts with defenseman; Jamie McBain and Bobby Sanguinetti and with forward prospect; Nicolas Blanchard.
Jamie McBain was resigned to a 2 year deal worth 3.6 million dollars. He will make 1.7 million in 2012-12 and 1.9 in 2013-14. The 24 year old defenseman was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st. McBain was selected 63rd overall by the Hurricanes in the 2006 NHL draft.
McBain just finished his second full season with the Hurricanes. In 76 games he had 8 goals and 19 assists along with only 2 minor penalties. McBain has played 166 NHL games over 3 season with the Hurricanes and he has totaled 18 goals and 49 assists along with 36 penalty minutes.
Hurricanes Signing Rating (McBain): A, great young puck moving defenseman, will lead the back-end with Faulk for years to come
The Hurricanes resigned Bobby Sanguinetti to a one year, two-way contract worth 700,000 if he plays in the NHL and 105,000 if he plays in the AHL. Sanguinetti was selected 21st overall in the 2006 NHL draft by the New York Rangers. On June 26th, 2010 the Rangers traded Sanguinetti to the Carolina Hurricanes for 2nd and 6th round picks.
Bobby Sanguinetti, 24, spent this past season in the AHL playing for the Charlotte Checkers. He had a great season for the Checkers, scoring 10 goals along with 40 assists in 60 games. He also played 3 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2011-12 campaign. He has played 8 total NHL games but has yet to record a point. He has played 241 career AHL games, scoring 28 goals and 121 assists.
Hurricanes Signing Rating (Sanguinetti): B, good young offensive defenseman could make a nice impact in the NHL if he is able to crack the Canes lineup
Nicolas Blanchard signed a two year, two-way contract with the Canes. Blanchard will make 525,000 a season if he plays in the NHL and he will make 105,000 in the American Hockey League but he is guaranteed at least 125,000 each season.
The 24 year old left winger just finished his 5th full AHL season. He played 68 games this season for the Charlotte Checkers, he scored 9 goals and he had 12 assists to go along with his 103 penalty minutes. Blanchard has played 324 career AHL games. In his AHL career he has 50 goals, 56 assists and 579 penalty minutes. He has yet to make his NHL debut.
Hurricanes Signing Rating (Blanchard): C+, tough young winger to grind his way into the line-up at any point next season
Jamie McBain was resigned to a 2 year deal worth 3.6 million dollars. He will make 1.7 million in 2012-12 and 1.9 in 2013-14. The 24 year old defenseman was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st. McBain was selected 63rd overall by the Hurricanes in the 2006 NHL draft.
McBain just finished his second full season with the Hurricanes. In 76 games he had 8 goals and 19 assists along with only 2 minor penalties. McBain has played 166 NHL games over 3 season with the Hurricanes and he has totaled 18 goals and 49 assists along with 36 penalty minutes.
Hurricanes Signing Rating (McBain): A, great young puck moving defenseman, will lead the back-end with Faulk for years to come
The Hurricanes resigned Bobby Sanguinetti to a one year, two-way contract worth 700,000 if he plays in the NHL and 105,000 if he plays in the AHL. Sanguinetti was selected 21st overall in the 2006 NHL draft by the New York Rangers. On June 26th, 2010 the Rangers traded Sanguinetti to the Carolina Hurricanes for 2nd and 6th round picks.
Bobby Sanguinetti, 24, spent this past season in the AHL playing for the Charlotte Checkers. He had a great season for the Checkers, scoring 10 goals along with 40 assists in 60 games. He also played 3 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2011-12 campaign. He has played 8 total NHL games but has yet to record a point. He has played 241 career AHL games, scoring 28 goals and 121 assists.
Hurricanes Signing Rating (Sanguinetti): B, good young offensive defenseman could make a nice impact in the NHL if he is able to crack the Canes lineup
Nicolas Blanchard signed a two year, two-way contract with the Canes. Blanchard will make 525,000 a season if he plays in the NHL and he will make 105,000 in the American Hockey League but he is guaranteed at least 125,000 each season.
The 24 year old left winger just finished his 5th full AHL season. He played 68 games this season for the Charlotte Checkers, he scored 9 goals and he had 12 assists to go along with his 103 penalty minutes. Blanchard has played 324 career AHL games. In his AHL career he has 50 goals, 56 assists and 579 penalty minutes. He has yet to make his NHL debut.
Hurricanes Signing Rating (Blanchard): C+, tough young winger to grind his way into the line-up at any point next season
Blues sign Jani Hakanpaa
The St. Louis Blues have signed Finnish defenseman; Jani Hakanpaa to an entry-level contract. He was selected with the 104th overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft by the Blues.
The 20 year old; Hakanpaa made the jump to the SM-liiga from the Jr. A SM-liiga. In 41 games with the Blues of the SM-liiga he scored 5 goals and added 7 assists. He was an assistant captain for the Finnish World Junior Championship team this past January. In 7 games he had 3 points.
The 20 year old is a very skilled defenseman offensively and with his huge frame at 6'5'' he could potentially turn into a great NHL player.
Blues signing rating: A, has played great at all stages so far and will look to continue that on the NHL ice
The 20 year old; Hakanpaa made the jump to the SM-liiga from the Jr. A SM-liiga. In 41 games with the Blues of the SM-liiga he scored 5 goals and added 7 assists. He was an assistant captain for the Finnish World Junior Championship team this past January. In 7 games he had 3 points.
Blues signing rating: A, has played great at all stages so far and will look to continue that on the NHL ice
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Pavel Valentenko Signs in Russia
New York Ranger prospect defenseman; Pavel Valentenko has signed a two year contact with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. The 24 year old played the 2011-12 season for the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League. The Nizhnekamsk, Russia native scored 5 goals, had 16 assists and 53 penalty minutes in 60 games with the Whale.
Valentenko was selected 139th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2006 NHL draft. Valentenko played parts of the next three seasons in the American Hockey League with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Nizhnekamsk and Moscow Dynamo of the KHL. There was some contract problems with Valentenko when he was playing for Hamilton because he signed a deal with Moscow Dynamo while he was still under contract with the Montreal Canadiens but the problem was resolved.
On June 30th, 2009 was traded along with Chris Higgins, Doug Janik and Ryan McDonagh to the New York Rangers in exchange for Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Michael Busto. Valentenko finished his last year of his contract with Moscow Dynamo during the 2009-10 season and then he came over to play for the Rangers AHL affiliate; the Connecticut Whale for the 2010-11 deal. In 75 games in his first year with the Whale he posted 5 goals and 12 assists in 79 games. In his two years with the Whale he totaled 10 goals and 28 assists in 139 games.
Valentenko has decided to go back to his home country and continue his hockey career over there rather than the American Hockey League.
Avangard Omsk Signing Rating: B+, young defenseman is good on the back-end and provides a physical presence
On June 30th, 2009 was traded along with Chris Higgins, Doug Janik and Ryan McDonagh to the New York Rangers in exchange for Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Michael Busto. Valentenko finished his last year of his contract with Moscow Dynamo during the 2009-10 season and then he came over to play for the Rangers AHL affiliate; the Connecticut Whale for the 2010-11 deal. In 75 games in his first year with the Whale he posted 5 goals and 12 assists in 79 games. In his two years with the Whale he totaled 10 goals and 28 assists in 139 games.
Valentenko has decided to go back to his home country and continue his hockey career over there rather than the American Hockey League.
Avangard Omsk Signing Rating: B+, young defenseman is good on the back-end and provides a physical presence
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