Americans Select Goaltender in 2009 CHL Import Draft
June 30, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has selected 19-year-old goaltender Alexander Pechurski with their first pick (55th overall) in today's Canadian Hockey League's annual Import Draft.
The 6'0", 187-pound netminder, a native of Magnitogorsk, Russia, played for Magnitogorsk this past season. Pechurski, the Pittsburgh Penguins fifth-round selection (150th overall) in the 2008 NHL Draft, competed as part of Russia's last two teams at the U-18 World Junior Championships, including their silver medal performance in 2008. In that series, he appeared in five games, posting a 3.06 goals against average and a 2-1 record.
"With our situation at goaltending, we found it important to add depth at this position," explained Tory. "We had a chance to talk to Pittsburgh and they indicated that they would like (Alex) to come to North America next season to continue his development. After talking to the player, he also indicated a desire to come to the States. We hope to see him at our training camp after the Penguins training camp in the fall."
"(Alex) still needs to get a release from his club team before joining our hockey club. But, all indications suggest that this won't be an issue," Tory continued. "We look forward to watching him compete with Brett, Drew and Warren for the goaltending positions on our hockey club."
Pechurski also was part of the Russian Selects squad that competed in the 2008 ADT Canada/Russia Challenge. He appeared in two games, including a 2-1 loss to Team WHL, collecting a 4.02 goals against average and a 0.906 save percentage.
Tory described Pechurski as a goaltender with "natural, athletic ability that is solid on his feet."
After a deal with the Prince George Cougars earlier today, the Americans will now select with the 71st overall pick in the second round of today's draft.
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