Timofey Tankeev of the St. Louis Jr. Blues was drafted in the first round of the CHL Import Draft held Tuesday. Tankeev was claimed by the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League with the 29th pick.
Release from the Erie Otters:
The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League selected Russian forward Timofei Tankeev from the St. Louis Junior Blues of the Central States Hockey League with the 29th overall selection in the 2010 CHL Import Draft Tuesday afternoon.
Born February 17, 1993 in Moscow, Tankeev suited up in 45 games for the Junior Blues, tallying 26 goals and 46 assists. Tankeev stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds. He helped lead the Junior Blues to the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A championship. His 72 points were the most among 1993-born players in the CSHL.
\”I\’m excited that we have drafted a player that wanted to adapt to the North American culture and play here as a 16 year-old,\” Otters general manager Sherwood Bassin said. \”I have talked to many former NHL players who are highly impressed with his abilities and consider him to be a definite prospect.\”
Barys Astana selected Tankeev earlier this month in the third round of the Kontinental Hockey League junior draft. He will be eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Since the Otters also have Russian goaltender Ramis Sadikov on the roster, the team will pass on their pick for the second round, which takes place Wednesday.
