Alexei Cherepanov 1989-2008
Alexei Cherepanov, 19, was a former first-round draft pick for the New York Rangers in 2007. The talented young man died on Monday night in Russia while playing a hockey game with team Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.
The Russian was drafted 17th overall by the Rangers in 2007 but was playing for the Avangard Omsk at the time of his death. According to Russian reports, Cherepanov collapsed during a KHL game against team Chekhov Vityaz following an accidental collision with teammate Jaromir Jagr while making a line change in the third period. He made it to the bench before collapsing and was rushed to an intensive care unit.
The ambulance that is normally at all games had already departed and had to be called back, taking approximately 15-20 minutes to get him to a hospital. He died from commotio cordis, a sudden disturbance of heart rhythm. It occurs as a result of a blunt, non-penetrating blow to the chest region – a very rare event that requires immediate defibrillation and cardioactive drugs.
The Russian right winger, nicknamed the Siberian Express, was in his second season with Avangard. Cherepanov surpassed the Russian league rookie goal scoring record by March of 2007. Cherepanov had one year remaining on his contract with Omsk before he would have been able to play for the NHL. On October 3, 2008 Alexei tied the Avangard Omsk goal scoring streak record with goals in 6 consecutive games.
Glen Sather, New York Rangers President and General Manager gave this statement: “We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei. 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.”
Alexei Cherepanov 1989-2008
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