New year, new heights. Week 1 top imports
A new season has started, and international players are ready to contribute to their teams’ success. KHL.ru presents the best imports from each country for the regular season’s first week.
Canada
F, Avangard, 2 G, 6 (3+3) points, +4
The Canadian centerman cemented his status as one of the best players in his position, starting the season with two consecutive three-point games. He first potted a double in Avangard’s Opening Cup triumph over CSKA (4-0), then he was instrumental again when the Hawks downed Admiral 4-3 SO on Saturday. Avangard entered the season as the reigning Gagarin Cup champions, and the side is doing everything to repeat its success.
Finland
F, Vityaz, 2 G, 7 (2+5) points, even
The Finnish scorer returned to Vityaz this offseason after spending one year and a half with SKA and started incredible performance right away. Aaltonen first had a three-point game in Vityaz’s away win over Torpedo. In the second game of the season, the Finn had 4 (1+3) points, but this time his monster performance wasn’t enough to secure Vityaz a W after losing 5-6 OT in Sochi.
Czech Republic
G, Avangard, 2 G, 97.74%, GAA 1.45, 1 SO
Hrubec and Avangard started the new season as they finished the old one — with strong performance and tight defense. And naturally, with Hrubec playing lights out between the piping. The Czech goalie kicked off his season with a 30-save shutout in the Opening Cup match against CSKA, then helped the Hawks defeating Admiral adding another 24 saves as Avangard downed Vladivostok after SO.
Slovakia
F, Avangard, 2 G, 5 (3+2) points, +1
The Slovak, who was awarded Best Forward honors at the most recent IIHF World Championship in Riga, started the season with a bang, scoring 4 (2+2) points in the Opening Cup match won by the Hawks 4-0 over CSKA. After this incredible performance, Cehlarik contributed to Avangard’s 4-3, SO win over Admiral on Saturday with another tally. The Slovak forward has all it takes to be one of the top KHL players this season.
Sweden
D, Spartak, 2 G, 1 (1+0) points, +2
Another KHL newcomer, defenseman Tim Heed already found his place in Spartak’s lineup and showed an excellent game in both last week’s games. The Red-and-Whites triumphed over both the Far Eastern teams, with Heed recording a goal in his debut game against Admiral and posting a plus-2 differential. Spartak had an excellent start of the season and a playoffs qualification seems to be the minimum goal for Boris Mironov’s men.
Latvia
D, HC Sochi, 2 G, 3 (1+2) points, +1
The 26-years-old blueliner is in his second year in the KHL after lining up for Dinamo Riga last term. He posted no negative ratings in the first season of action (with a plus-1 differential), and even more importantly, he potted the game-winner in OT in Sochi’s win over Vityaz on Saturday. He also had an assist that night. In the season’s opening game, Jaks had a helper and helped Vityaz defeating Amur with a 4-0 score. For his efforts, Jaks was awarded Defenseman of the Week honors.
