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Rangers' Cherepanov dies after a game in Russia

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-15 10:34

NEW YORK: New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov has died after playing in a league game for Russian club Omsk Vanguard, the NHL team said on Monday.

Alexei Cherepanov of Russia smiles after being selected by the New York Rangers during the first round of the NHL hockey draft in Columbus, Ohio on June 22, 2007.  [Agencies]

The 19-year-old, who had chosen to play in his native country this year, was New York's first-round selection in the 2007 draft and the 17th overall pick.

"We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei," said Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather.

"On behalf of the New York Rangers organization I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Alexei was an intelligent, energetic young man with tremendous talent and an extremely bright future."

According to Russian media reports, Cherepanov was rushed to hospital when he lost consciousness after colliding with teammate Jaromir Jagr in the third period of the game against Vityaz Chekhov.

The teenage forward was widely regarded as the best European player in his age group. He had registered seven goals and five assists in 14 games with Omsk this season.

The 6-foot-1 (1.85m) Cherepanov featured in 106 league games for the Russian team, collecting 40 goals and 29 assists for 69 points.

In 2006-07 he set the Russian Super League (RSL) record for most goals in a season by a rookie (18), eclipsing Pavel Bure's total of 17 with CSKA Moscow in 1988-89.

With 29 points in his first season with Omsk, Cherepanov recorded more points than Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, Washington's Alexander Ovechkin and Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk tallied as RSL rookies.

Cherepanov represented Russia in several elite tournaments and helped his country win the bronze medal in this year's under-20 world junior championships.

Agencies