Meet the Raiders' newest draft pick, Russian-born Ivan Keckin. (submitted photo/PA Raiders)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Ivan the Raider

Raiders go Russian for the first time in the CHL Import Draft

Jun 27, 2019 | 10:57 AM

The Prince Albert Raiders did something they’ve never done before on Thursday at the CHL Import Draft —they drafted a Russian.

Ivan Kechkin is his name, a 2002-born forward from Moscow, who scored six goals and 18 points in 15 games with Moskva in the Russian Under-18 league. He also had 15 points in 23 games at the Under-17 level. He’s listed 5-7, 143 pounds.

Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt didn’t get to travel all the way to Russia to scout Kechkin personally, but has some connections over there. One of those is Denis Tolpeko, who Hunt coached with the Regina Pats in the 2005-06 season.

“I haven’t seen him so we’re relying on friendlies. But from what we understand, he’s dynamic, quick, with good vision. Kind of a flash and dash type player with good puck skill,” Hunt said. “Denis told me he’s a real good player, can play with speed and can play with the puck. To me, he’s going to be a young guy who’s going to jump in on a young team. We’re hoping he can contribute to some degree, but it can be tough for those kids to transition over in their first year.”

The one big question through import drafts is whether or not the players will actually report to the teams that select him. Every team has been the victim of that, the Raiders included as Dominik Bokk didn’t report after the Raiders selected him in 2017.

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But Hunt is confident that Kechkin will report with the Raiders.

“I’ve actually already got the release signed, so that’s really quick. Now, we just have to get the standard player agreement signed and then of course, it’s the flight,” Hunt said. They expect Kechkin will arrive Aug. 25.

Kechkin may be the first Raiders’ Russian they’ve had on their list, but both of the players they have currently on their import list speak Russian.

Both Sergei Sapego and Aliaksei Protas are from Belarus. Sapego will play his 20-year-old season next year, but could go play professionally in Europe or North America. Protas just played his 17-year-old rookie season with the Raiders last year, and was a third-round NHL pick with the Washington Capitals.

Draft history breakdown

Czech Republic: 10

Slovakia: 4

Germany: 3

Belarus: 2

Russia: 1

Finland: 1

Sweden: 1

Norway: 1

Ukraine: 1

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW