NHL Draft Pick Ilya Solarev Back with Danbury
September 26, 2014 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Danbury Whalers News Release
The Danbury Whalers are proud to announce that Forward Ilya Solarev has signed an agreement to re-join the team for a second season. Solarev will be in the lineup tonight for the 5th Annual Green & White Game tonight at 8 pm.
Solarev, a native of Kazakh, was a 9th round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2001 NHL Draft. Prior to last season in Danbury, Solarev spent the previous four seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) which is the Russian equivalent of the National Hockey League (NHL).
In four seasons with Barys Astana of the KHL, Solarev has tallied 15 goals in 119 games.
Last season in Danbury, Solarev joined the team in December and posted 17 goals & 25 assists (42 points) in 33 games. Solarev had five (2) goal games, 14 multi point games, and 2 game winning goals. From December 12th to January 4th, Ilya registered a point in 8 straight games including 9 points in 3 consecutive games against Danville, Dayton, & Watertown.
Prior to last season, Solarev received a 2-year ban from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) following a positive test for Salbutamol, a banned substance, under the World Anti-Doping Code. Salbutamol is used by Solarev to treat his asthma condition and helps to control the pulmonary issues he suffers from. During this test period, Solarev was found to have taken over 1600 micrograms in a 24 hour period. The medication is allowable, however, it was the dosage level and the time frame with which he took it that caused the suspension.
Through research of this drug there has been no performance enhancement related to its use.
Solarev commented, "Danbury is a home to me. I love the area. We love the people, they have been so welcoming."
Solarev is the 5th former NHL draft pick to play for the Danbury Whalers, joining Steve McClellan (Colorado Avalanche), Mike Brown (Boston Bruins), Ed Campbell (New York Rangers), and Eric Lind (Pittsburgh Penguins).
For further information on Ilya Solarev and the Danbury Whalers, contact Herm Sorcher at hsorcher@thedanburywhalers.com or call 973-713-7547.
5th Annual Green & White Game Tonight at 8 PM
Tickets $5
Free for Season Ticket Holders
Just a reminder that tonight, Friday September 26th at 8:00 PM at the Danbury Ice Arena, the Danbury Whalers are hosting the 5th Annual Green & White Game.
The game is part of the 3-Day Free Agent Camp from September 24 - 26th. The entire camp will feature over 800 minutes of on ice action with players competing for invitations to training camp.
All workouts are open to the public, the admission for the All-Star Game is $5 - the event is free for Danbury Whalers season ticket holders.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Danbury Whalers at 973-713-7547 or at the ticket office on the day of the game.
Danbury Whalers representatives from the organization will be on hand to discuss the upcoming season and the various ticket plans.
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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2014
- SWPA Magic: Magic Announce Single and Season Ticket Pricing - SouthWest Pennsylvania Magic
- NHL Draft Pick Ilya Solarev Back with Danbury - Danbury Whalers
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