Man of the Week: Stephane Da Costa
KHL.ru’s weekly column returns with Stephane Da Costa. The Frenchman has recently netted his 200th league tally, and continues to be a key player for Avtomobilist, who have recently clinched a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg’s center, Stephane Da Costa, is currently on an impressive streak, marking his 200th KHL goal during Saturday’s victory over Amur. The French forward’s point-scoring run has now extended to twelve consecutive games, a further proof to his pivotal role in propelling the Motormen back into contention for the Eastern Conference leadership in the 2024-2025 season. More significantly, Da Costa has become the 14th player in KHL history to reach the 200-goal mark and the first-ever Frenchman to achieve this milestone.
This season, Avtomobilist has showcased another excellent performance, aiming to surpass their previous achievement of reaching the semifinals last year. Under the guidance of head coach Nikolai Zavarukhin, the team has maintained a strong presence in the league, with Da Costa’s consistent contributions being a significant factor in their success. In the new year, Avtomobilist had a treak of eleven consecutive victories that positioned them firmly in the East’s top four.
Early years
Born on July 11, 1989, in Paris, France, to a Portuguese father and a Polish mother, Da Costa started playing at home, but seeking to elevate his game, he quickly transitioned to North America, joining the Texas Tornado of the North American Hockey League in the 2006-2007 season. There, he recorded 40 points in 50 games, and his performance caught the attention of the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL, where he amassed 67 points in 48 games during the 2008-2009 season.
Da Costa’s collegiate career at Merrimack College further highlighted his talent and progress. In the 2009-2010 season, he notched 45 points in 34 games, mirroring this output in the following season with another 45 points in 33 appearances. His impressive college stats led to an opportunity in the NHL, as he signed with the Ottawa Senators as an undrafted player and made his debut in the 2010-2011 campaign. Over four seasons, he played 47 games, recording seven goals and four assists for a total of 11 points. Despite his potential, he sought more consistent playing time, leading him to explore opportunities overseas.
First KHL stint
In 2014, Da Costa signed with CSKA in the KHL. His inaugural season was stellar, as he led the team with 62 points in 46 games, including 30 goals and 32 assists. He continued to be a key contributor over the next two seasons, amassing a total of 96 points in 94 games during his tenure in Moscow, where he reached the Gagarin Cup finals in 2016, losing to Metallurg. The 2017-2018 season, however, saw Da Costa venture to Switzerland, joining Geneve-Servette HC in the National League, where he maintained his scoring touch, contributing 25 points in 28 games as his season was cut short.
Return to the KHL
Returning to the KHL, Da Costa had stints with several teams. In his first season with Avtomobilist in 2018-2019, he registered 48 points in 58 games. He then moved to Lokomotiv for the 2019-2020 season, adding 35 points in 58 games before joining Ak Bars Kazan, where he delivered an impressive 57 points in 52 games in the 2020-2021 season, with a career-high 27 goals. Eventually, he returned to Avtomobilist, where he has continued his impactful play, proving to be a consistent scorer season after season.
On the international stage
Da Costa has also been a cornerstone for the French national team. His international career includes participation in multiple senior World Championships, where he has consistently been among the team’s top performers. Notably, in the 2014 World Championship, he led France with nine points in eight games, playing a crucial role in their impressive eighth-place finish. Over his international career, he has accumulated 18 goals and 25 assists for a total of 43 points in 49 games at the World Championship level, further cementing his legacy as one of France’s greatest hockey players.
Statistically, Da Costa’s career speaks volumes. Over his KHL tenure, he has played more than 500 games, reaching 484 points, a figure that puts him in tenth place in the all-time scoring list. His next milestone would be reaching the 500-point mark, and with a deep run in the playoffs with Avtomobilist, Da Costa can get there already in the current season.
