Spokane Takes Russian Defenseman Startsev with 103rd Overall Import Pick

June 27, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

The Spokane Chiefs selected defenseman Matvei Startsev with the 103rd pick in Thursday's 2019 CHL Import Draft.

Startsev, a 2002-born rearguard from Russia, posted nine points (3G-6A) in 13 games while wearing an "A" as an alternate captain with Mosvka Russia of the Russian U18 league. He competed in nine playoff games, recording eight penalty minutes.

He also played 25 games with the same club's U17 team, tacking on four goals and eight assists.

The pick marks the second-straight year the Chiefs have chosen a player from Russia; they took defenseman Egor Arbuzov last season. Prior to last year's draft, the Chiefs hadn't picked a Russian since 2001.

Scouting reports indicate that Startsev has grown significantly above his listed height and weight over the past year.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2019

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• Jarvis Invited to Hockey Canada Selection Camp - Portland Winterhawks
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• Hitmen Select Two Players in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
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• Rockets select Novak and Gutik at 2019 CHL Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
• T-Birds Select Right Wing Tim Stutzle in CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Wheat Kings Select Two at 2019 CHL Import Draft - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Hurricanes Select Okuliar in CHL Import Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Spokane Takes Russian Defenseman Startsev with 103rd Overall Import Pick - Spokane Chiefs
• Winnipeg ICE Select Michal Teply, Nino Kinder Fourth and 64th Overall Respectively in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Winnipeg Ice
• Giants Select 2002-Born Defenceman Samuel Knazko in CHL Import Draft - Vancouver Giants
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• Chiefs Pick Los Angeles Kings Prospect Lukas Parik in Import Draft - Spokane Chiefs
• Swift Current Broncos Select Finnish Defenceman Kasper Puutio with 1st Pick in CHL Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Dave Chyzowski to Join Delta Hockey Academy - Kamloops Blazers
• Blazers Select Defenseman Inaki Baragano in the CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers
• Royals Select Keanu Derungs in CHL Import Draft - Victoria Royals
• Pats Take Daniil Gushchin Seventh Overall in 2019 CHL Import Draft - Regina Pats
• We Have an Early Bird Grand Prize Winner - Brandon Wheat Kings

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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