As reported by their official website, the ECHL franchise Manchester Monarchs have invited Russian goalie Danila Alistratov and forward Dean Yakura to training camp.
Invited to camp by @MonarchsHockey:G Danila Alistratov (last 4 seasons in Russia-VHL) & F Dean Yakura (captain of @DanburyTitans last year).
— ECHL Week (@ECHLWeek) September 19, 2016
31-years-old Yakura captained the Danbury Titans of the FHL last year, while Alistratov played in Russian’s second-tier league VHL with Yuzhny Ural Orsk, a farm team of the Metallurg Magnitogorsk organization.
Once considered a hot prospect in Russian hockey, Alistratov’s development was hindered by his size. As a 5’8″, 160 lbs. goalie, Alistratov, 26, kind of failed to overcome his size with his play. After a couple of seasons in the KHL, he played in the minors with Lada Togliatti, Ariada Volzhsk, and Yuzhny Ural Orsk. Alistratov is a fast, agile goalie with a good glove hand, but at this point it is hard to imagine if he has a true chance to make the roster of a North American team.
A native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, Alistratov has represented his country at the 2008 Ivan Glinka Tournament, the U18 WJC, and the 2009 WJC, where he helped Team Russia get back home with a bronze medal.
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