The Stockton Heat lost 4-3 in overtime on Friday night, finishing off their schedule prior to the American Hockey League’s All-Star Break. The Heat head into the break third overall in the AHL by points percentage.
One of the things that has worked for the Heat this season has been their influx of Russian players.
The Heat have three Russians this season:
- Defenseman Rinat Valiev, 24, from Nizhnekamsk, in his eighth season in North America
- Defenseman Alexander Yelesin, 23, from Yaroslavl, in his first season in North America
- Goaltender Artyom Zagidulin, 24, from Magnitigorsk, in his first season in North America
Valiev and Yelesin have been virtually inseparable on the blueline, playing together for the better part of 34 games.