VHL weekly review

3-0N-3 OVERTIME

Just like in the KHL, overtime in the VHL has switched to three on three. This decision was taken due to the IIHF adopting this system for all World Championships.

The first 3-on-3 VHL overtime took place on December 18th, when Yuzhniy Ural and Ermak met. After a 2:2 draw, it went into the extra frame, where Ermak forward Sergei Ogorodikov scored the winning goal inside one minute and fifty two seconds.

PREPARATIONS

Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk, the current VHL leaders, have expressed their desire to compete in the KHL within the next two years. Given their current VHL form, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them play successfully in the KHL.

However, in order to join the KHL, Torpedo need a stadium which holds at least 5500 spectators. At the moment, their rink has a capacity of 4400. Soon, there are concrete plans to add two new stands to the arena.

SACKING

Izhstal, a club which won VHL silver medals just this year, have taken the decision to sack their head coach.

Their new boss is Sergei Dushkin, a coach who begun the season with Ermak. Alexei Isakov will be his assistant. Interestingly. Ilnaz Zagitov, who was sacked as Izhstal head coach, will remain a member of the coaching staff. Konstantin Maslyukov and Vladimir Boyarintsev have both left the team though.

BEST PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Alexander Zalivin, a goalkeeper who plays for Dynamo Balashikha, has been named the best goalkeeper. He played in three matches, took a 96.6 saves percentage and a goals against average of 1.35.

The top defenseman is Zauralie's Evgeny Sulimov. He racked up three points (1+2) and a +3 plus/minus rating. Evgeny also scored one winning goal.

Alexander Tridchikov of Chelmet Chelyabinsk is the best forward. Alexander boasts four points (3+1) and a plus/minus rating of +3.

Bars defenseman Konstantin Luchevnikov is the number one rookie, racking up three points (1+2) and a +2 plus/minus rating. Konstantin netted one winning marker.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation