New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov dies during game

by JasonB on Oct 13, 2008 6:05 PM EDT

Not Pens news, but shocking enough news to report anyway... Very sad

New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov died during a game in his native Russia on Monday night. He was 19.

The Rangers did not reveal the circumstances of Cherepanov’s death when contacted by PA SportsTicker.

The New York Post reported that Cherepanov suffered a heart attack and collapsed on the bench during Avangard Omsk’s game against Vityav Chekhov.

TSN of Canada reported that medical officials attempted to get Cherepanov’s heart beating again. According to the web site, there was no ambulance present at the arena. The report stated that it took between “15 and 20 minutes” to transport Cherepanov from the arena to the hospital.

Rangers general manager Glen Sather addressed the tragedy in a statement released by the team.

“We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei,” Sather said. “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.”

I remember reading reports that some scouts felt this kid was the most talented player in the draft, but teams weren't sure whether they could sign him. Sad news.

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Man this was pretty sad to hear about. He was supposed to be the number one prospect in last year’s draft, but he dropped in the rankings because teams didn’t want to gamble on the possibility that he may stay in Russia. New York took him at 19 overall and Jaromir Jagr perceived him as his protege in Russia. Definitely depressing news for hockey as a whole.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 14, 2008 12:15 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, there was some talk that he and JJ collided as he they were changing lines. I’m not a Doctor, but I don’t think that is generally what causes a cardiac arrest. He must have had an unknown condition.

It’s sad to see someone that obviously had a bright career ahead of him pass away at a young age.

by JDMaker1 on Oct 14, 2008 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions