Man of the Week: Vadim Moroz
KHL.ru’s weekly column continues with Vadim Moroz. The young Belarusian forward was awarded Best forward honors last week and is a key figure in Dinamo Minsk’s run of late. The Bison are currently on the top four of the Western Conference’s standings.
Vadim Moroz, the 21-year-old forward, has been instrumental in the Bison’s impressive performance this season, helping them secure a playoff berth and maintain a strong position in the Western Conference standings. The Belarusian franchise reached the fifth place twice, in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, but never reached the top four. And both times, the team suffered from a first-round exit (against Jokerit and Lokomotiv, respectively). This time, however, things may change.
Forward of the Week honors
Moroz’s exceptional play was recognized when he was named the KHL’s Best Forward for the first time in his career. During last week, he amassed five points (three goals and two assists) over three games, with a plus-2 differential. In a 4-2 victory over Lada, Moroz scored the game-winning goal and showcased his defensive prowess with two hits, four blocked shots, and a takeaway.
Early years and play in the KHL
Born on Nov. 20, 2003, in Minsk, Belarus, Vadim Moroz was introduced to hockey at a young age. His father, Andrei Moroz, was a notable Belarusian hockey player who represented the national team and played for various clubs in the Belarusian Extraleague, most noticeably for Khimik Novopolotsk. This familial connection to the sport laid a strong foundation for Vadim's career.
Moroz began his professional journey in the 2021-2022 season with his hometown team in the Belarusian Extraleague, recording four goals and three assists over 35 games. His potential quickly caught the attention of larger clubs, leading to a two-way contract with Dinamo Minsk in June 2022.
His debut season with the Bison in the KHL was impressive, with fourteen points, then, in the 2023-2024 campaign, his second in the league, Moroz played 63 regular-season games, tallying 11 goals and 11 assists. He continued his form into the playoffs, adding two goals in six games. His performance earned him the KHL’s Rookie of the Month award in November 2022, marking him as a player to watch.
Internationally, Moroz represented Belarus in the Channel One Cup in both 2022 and 2023, contributing a goal and two assists in the latter tournament. His growing reputation was cemented when the Arizona Coyotes selected him 88th overall in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
However, experts suggest that gaining more experience in the KHL would benefit his development before transitioning to the NHL. Moroz's contract with Dinamo Minsk extends until April 30, 2026, providing ample time for growth.
Achievements and growth
On Sept. 13, Moroz made history by scoring a hat-trick against Barys in a 5:1 victory. At 20 years old, he became the youngest Belarusian to achieve a hat-trick in the KHL, surpassing the previous record held by players aged 23 and above. Notably, all three goals were scored at even strength, a feat not accomplished by a Belarusian player since 2010.
A young star on the rise
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 183 pounds, Moroz combines physical presence with skillful play. His trajectory in professional hockey reflects dedication and a continuous upward trend. As he continues to develop, both Dinamo Minsk and the Belarusian national team stand to benefit from his contributions. And finally, the Bison have a great chance to go deeper than the first round.
