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Thompson’s hat-trick leads the way, McLeod shines, Sprong delivers. Week 8 Top Imports
Thompson’s first KHL hat-trick, McLeod’s five-point week, Sprong’s consistent production and Ruzicka’s playmaking highlighted another eventful week for the league’s international players. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
US
F, Barys, 3 G, 3 (3+0) points, +1
US forward Tyce Thompson made a major contribution to Barys’ successful week, scoring his first hat-trick in the league in a 4–2 victory over Shanghai Dragons. He had been held off the scoresheet in the previous two games, a 4–1 loss to Avtomobilist and a narrow 1–0 win over Dinamo Minsk, but still helped Barys secure the latter result with a plus-1 rating. Thompson then saved his best for the road trip finale, scoring a treble against Shanghai to finish the week with three goals in three games and give Barys an important boost in the playoff race.
Canada
F, Avangard, 4 G, 5 (3+2) points, +1
Canadian forward Michael McLeod enjoyed an excellent week for Avangard, collecting five points (3+2) in four games. He opened with a goal and an assist in a 3–2 OT victory over Dynamo Moscow, then scored twice in a commanding 4–0 win over Ak Bars. McLeod was held off the scoresheet in a 3–2 OT loss to Lada, but added another assist in a 2–1 defeat to HC Sochi. His two-goal performance against Ak Bars was particularly impressive, while his overall production made him one of Avangard’s most consistent offensive contributors during the week. The Hawks are now looking to climb in a tight Eastern Conference table.
Netherlands
F, Avtomobilist, 3 G, 4 (1+3) points, +1
Dutch forward Daniel Sprong recorded points in all three of Avtomobilist’s games, finishing the week with four points (1+3). He opened with a goal in a 4–1 victory over Barys, then added an assist in a 3–2 SO win against Torpedo. Sprong saved his most productive performance for the week’s finale, dishing out two assists in a narrow 3–4 loss to Metallurg. His playmaking was particularly important in the latter game, as he helped set up two of Avtomobilist’s three goals. With four points in three appearances, Sprong played a major role in the Motormen’s successful week, which brought two victories from three games.
Slovakia
F, Avtomobilist, 3 G, 2 (0+2) points, +1
Slovak forward Adam Ruzicka contributed two assists in three games for Avtomobilist, setting up goals in consecutive appearances. He first assisted in a 3–2 SO victory over Torpedo, then recorded another helper in a narrow 3–4 defeat to Metallurg. Ruzicka had previously gone without a point in Avtomobilist’s 4–1 win over Barys, but his consecutive assists helped the team maintain its offensive momentum. The Motormen collected two victories in three games, continuing their climb in the Eastern Conference standings. However, Ruzicka is yet to net his first goal for the Motormen, after scoring 49 across two seasons with Spartak.
Croatia
F, Admiral, 3 G, 2 (1+1) points, even
Croatian forward Borna Rendulic continued to make a positive contribution for Admiral, collecting two points in three games. He opened the week with a goal in a 3–1 victory over Lada, then went scoreless in another road win, a 4–3 result against Neftekhimik. Rendulic completed the week with an assist in a 5–2 loss to Amur in the Far East Derby. Since joining the Sailors, the forward has provided an additional offensive option, and his steady contribution is helping Admiral remain competitive as the team pursues a playoff berth.
