Thursday, August 27, 2009

Moscow Dynamo challenges Galiev's contract with Saint John

Press Release

Saint John Sea Dogs Director of Hockey Operations Mike Kelly announced on Wednesday that import forward Stanislav Galiev has, with help from the office of local Member of Parliament Rodney Weston, secured a travel visa and will be leaving his native Russia this coming weekend. Galiev is expected to arrive in the Port City on Sunday, August 30.

“We’re incredibly excited that Stanislav will be arriving in Canada this weekend,” said Kelly. “He’s a very special player and we’re looking forward to having him join the Sea Dogs in the near future.”

The Sea Dogs must now await clearance from the International Ice Hockey Federation for Galiev to skate with the team. Galiev’s transfer to the Canadian Hockey League has been challenged by Moscow Dynamo, a Russian club who own the highly-touted NHL prospect’s European rights.

“We are confident that the IIHF will act in Stanislav’s best interests and allow him to play in Saint John this season,” says Sea Dogs President Wayne Long. “The protest filed by Moscow is both surprising and disappointing, but we fully intend on respecting the transfer process and exercising patience as we await the final ruling from what we regard as a fair and just governing body.”

Saint John made Galiev the #1 overall selection at the 2009 CHL Import Draft in June. The 17-year old offensive wizard tallied 29G-35A-64P in 60 games played with the Indiana Ice (USHL) last season, adding 13GP-5G-4A-9P during his team’s successful run to a Clark Cup Championship.

Galiev helped Team Russia win a Silver Medal at the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament, registering 1G-2A-3P in four games played at the prestigious international event.

The Sea Dogs also announced today that goaltender Jared Kelly has been added to the team’s training camp roster. The 18-year old net minder was 12-2 with the Kensington Vipers and Sherwood Falcons of the IJHL last season, registering a league-best G.A.A. of 2.70 and a SV% of 0.921 in the process.

Saint John (2-0) will host the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (1-1) in QMJHL pre-season action on Saturday, August 29 at Harbour Station (puck drop: 7pm). Tickets to this match are available by clicking HERE.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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