Russians coming to the Okanagan

The Russians are heading into the World Junior hockey championship with a chip on their shoulder.

Team Russia found itself in unfamiliar territory last January in Buffalo, without a medal.

They finished in fifth place, ending their streak of taking home a medal at seven consecutive World Junior tournaments.

The Russians will be evaluating their roster next Tuesday when they open pre-tournament play against Sweden at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

According to the team’s press release, the Russians will release five players from their squad before leaving for Canada on Saturday. Once they arrive here, five North American-based skaters will join the team for the final part of camp.

The lone returning player from last year’s team, Klim Kostin, was a first-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2017. Kostin is in his second season in North America, having suited up for 67 games with the San Antonio Rampage as an AHL rookie last season, posting 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) and 72 penalty minutes.

This season, Kostin has 9 points (4G, 5A) points and 46 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Rampage.

The four other players joining camp are also property of NHL clubs.

Washington Capitals first-round pick Alexander Alexeyev plays for the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels, Dmitry Samorukov is an Edmonton Oilers thirdround pick playing with the OHL’s Guelph Storm, Minnesota Wild selection Alexander Khovanov plays for the QJMHL’s Moncton Wildcats, and San Jose Sharks prospect Ivan Chekhovich is developing with the QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

Alexeyev, a defenceman, is piling up the points while patrolling the Rebels’ blue line. He has 31 points (7G, 24A) and 17 penalty minutes in 29 games.

Tickets for Russia-Sweden are on sale at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.