CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Nikita Alexandrov will get a chance to play for Russia against the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) all-stars next month in New Brunswick.
The Charlottetown Islanders centre will compete in the CIBC Canada Russia Series when games take place in Saint John on Nov. 4 and Moncton on Nov. 5.
“It’s my first time playing for my country and I’m glad that they chose me,” Alexandrov said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
The list of Russians playing in the QMJHL who will take part in the series was announced on Wednesday. The list also included Moncton’s Alexander Khovanov, Cape Breton’s Egor Sokolov and Rimouski’s Dmitry Zavgorodniy.
Alexandrov, who turned 19 in September, has played the past two seasons in Charlottetown. He was drafted in the second round of this year’s NHL draft by the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues.
He had eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 11 games with the Isles this season.
The upcoming series will provide an opportunity for Alexandrov to showcase his skills to the Russian brass before they select their team for the world junior tournament, which is set to take place Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in the Czech Republic.
“I want to make the team for Christmas, so I obviously have to prove to them I’m the player they’re looking for and that I’m ready to play for this team.”
Islanders defenceman Lukas Cormier was announced to the QMJHL team last week, but has since sustained a lower-body injury that will sideline him for the next four to six weeks.
RELATED:
