International joy for Belarus as Magnitka goes back to school
For some, last week was all about international action. For others, it was time for a break from hockey and a chance to revisit the classroom. Meanwhile, as week 16 of the season gets underway, the KHL scoring race is heating up and two SKA stars are chasing personal milestones.
Double success for Belarus
The 2022 edition of the Channel 1 Cup made history – with team Belarus to the fore. December’s traditional weekend of international hockey in Moscow brought the first ever 3x3 international tournament, with Belarus coming out on top after wins over China and Kazakhstan. Russia came third, winning the bronze medal game against the Chinese. It was the first time Belarus had played at the Channel 1 Cup, and in the full-size game Craig Woodcroft’s team also took the top prize. An opening 4-1 victory over Kazakhstan set up a de facto gold-medal game against the Russians. After a thrilling 4-4 tie, Belarus got the verdict in a shoot-out with Alexei Kolosov stopping every Russian attempt and Shane Prince scoring at the other end.
Belarus edges Russia in shoot-out, wins Channel 1 Cup
Back to school in Magnitogorsk
Metallurg duo Kodie Curran and Philippe Maillet visited English language students at Magnitogorsk’s School #33 during the recent international break. The two Canadians helped students with their English classes, and also discussed sport and the similarities and differences between life in Russia and Canada.
Calgary native Curran, in his first KHL season, said: “It’s important that Metallurg as an organization can bring our community closer together. Especially our younger generation, it’s important for them to have someone to look up to. It’s really good for the kids, but it’s so good for us too. It’s great to see really cheerful, bright young faces that are going to lead all of our generations. To be able to impact on them in any way we can is super important.”
SKA duo chases milestones
The KHL program resumes in full this week, with two of SKA’s players looking to secure individual milestones. Dmitrij Jaskin currently has 99 KHL goals (77 for Dynamo Moscow, 22 for SKA) and is poised to become the latest player to notch 100. When the Czech international breaks into three figures, there’s every likelihood we’ll see his team-mate Nikita Gusev register his 300th assist in the league. Gusev is currently on 299, ranking sixth on the KHL all-time list. Nikita is also poised to overtake Linus Omark, who has 305 helpers in his KHL career.
Avto pair leads scoring race
The 2022-2023 KHL scoring charts see two Avtomobilist players out in front. Stephane Da Costa leads the way with 42 (13+29) points, ahead of Brooks Macek on 40 (25+15). Macek is currently the leading goalscorer this season. Strikingly, imports dominate this year’s leading scorers: Marat Khairullin of SKA is the most productive Russian player and his 35 (15+20) points are good for sixth place overall. Avangard’s Vladimir Tkachyov and Spartak’s Alexander Khokhlachyov also make the top 10. Sibir’s Trevor Murphy is the most productive defenseman to date. His 32 points place him 8th overall.
Almquist leaves Traktor
Swedish defenseman Adam Almquist is on his way out of Chelyabinsk. The blue liner, who previously played for Severstal, Admiral and Dinamo Minsk was placed on waivers during the week. During his spell with Traktor, Almquist, 31, played 25 games and scored two points. Traktor also traded the rights to Nick Bailen to Spartak in return for defenseman Alexander Bryntsev.
Rylov replaces Jordan
After Czech defenseman Michal Jordan left Amur for family reasons, the Tigers responded by signing veteran Yakov Rylov to a try-out contract. The 36-year-old has played in every KHL season to date, representing Dynamo Moscow, CSKA, Neftekhimik, Ak Bars, Metallurg, Spartak and Avtomobilist. In total, he has 722 appearances and 245 (63+182) points.
