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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Bocharov, Elias Shine in Hlinka Gretzky Cup

August 9, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Two members of the Saskatoon Blades are coming off impressive performances at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which took place Aug. 2-7 in Břeclav, Czech Republic and Pieřany, Slovakia.

Blades defenceman Pavel "Pasha" Bocharov was the lone WHL player to lace up for Team USA U18, leading the American squad to a 2-2 overall record and a fifth-place finish.

The Escondido, CA product, who was given the 'C' as captain for his country ahead of the first game, collected three assists, all of which in an edgy 6-4 victory over Team Czech Republic U18 to wrap up the tournament. Bocharov also notched a lone helper in USA's exhibition match against the Czechs.

Bocharov is developing into one of Saskatoon's most dependable two-way blue-liners as he prepares for his sophomore WHL campaign. The 17-year-old collected one assist and five PIM in 16 lace-ups in the 2021 Hub Season, and is expected to gain more ice-time next season with the departure of graduated defenceman Wyatt McLeod.

Power-forward Moritz Elias, who was drafted by Saskatoon in the 2nd round of the 2021 CHL Import Draft, did wonders for Team Germany U18 at the tournament last week. The right-winger finished 2nd in team scoring with two points (1G-1A) - his lone marker coming against Team Sweden U18 when he knitted the top corner with a deadly snipe from the low slot.

Germany collected one victory through the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which came 3-2 in a shootout against Team Switzerland to finish 7th place.

Elias became the first German-born player to be selected by Saskatoon since the CHL Import Draft was inaugurated in 1992. The 5-foot-7, 161-pound sniper spent the majority of last year playing in his home country's top professional league, the DEL, dressing in 16 games for the Nurnberg Ice Tigers.

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