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Thunder See Two Selected in KHL Draft

May 28, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - While the United States Hockey League generally brings in American born players there is room for each club to join the international scene. The use of "import" players on each roster gives the league, and teams, the chance to expand to other countries.

Two Russian born players on the Thunder's protected list, Vladislav Dzhioshvili (Cornell University) and Konstantin Chernyuk (University of Maine) were selected in the first round of the Kontinental Hockey League Draft on Sunday, May 24th. Both players were selected by HC Sochi who finished 28-23-9 in 2014-15 and qualified for playoffs.

"It was pretty (ironic)," said Dzhioshvili, who was selected in the third round of Phase I in the 2014 USHL Draft. "I was drafted before Konstantin last year so when we found out he texted me a picture of us going to the same team again, but his name above mine this time."

Over both of their hockey careers in North America, Dzhioshvili and Chernyuk have both been drafted and played for the same teams. Now that streak could continue overseas in the future.

"I guess we were meant to play together," chuckled Dzhioshvili.

Dzhioshvili, 17, was selected 23rd overall in the KHL Draft after completing his first stint in the USHL with the Thunder. The forward from Moscow, RUS represented four teams over four different leagues in 2014-15. Between Bloomington, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 16U, 18U, and playing for Russia in the Under-17 Four Nations Tournament, he managed 38 points (25g, 13a) in 42 games played.

"When I was asked to play in the tournament I was really excited. I haven't been back to Russia in a while, so it was fun to play with all my old friends from when I was a kid and represent my home country," said Dzhioshvili.

With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Dzhioshvili captured the United States Premier Hockey League Championship in '14-15. At the end of April, the 6-foot goal scorer also announced his commitment to the ECAC's Cornell University as his NCAA home.

Chernyuk, 17, was selected 15th overall by HC Sochi also. During the 2014 USHL Draft, he was selected by Bloomington in the fourth round of Phase I. While he has not suited up with the Thunder in the USHL yet, the 6-foot-3 defenseman shows a wealth of promise. The St. Petersburg, RUS native also was a member of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights U18 team in 2014, but finished the season in the North American Hockey League with the Wichita Falls Wildcats. In 43 games, Chernyuk posted 13 points (3g, 9a) and a +9 rating from the blue line.

While with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2013-14, Chernyuk committed to play for the University of Maine in the Hockey East Conference.

"The KHL is a very good league and I wouldn't mind playing there," continued Dzhioshvili. "My NHL draft year has not happened yet and I hope I am able to play in the NHL eventually, but if I do end up playing back in Russia, I will do my best to help HC Sochi."

Similarly to the NHL Draft, players drafted in the KHL may hold off on their professional careers to play for the USHL and pursuit a college degree as an NCAA student athlete. Chernyuk and Dzhioshvili will report to the Thunder for camp at the end of June.

Season Tickets: 2015-16 will be here before you know it and for just $50 we can reserve your season tickets for the Bloomington Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. If you reserve before June 1st, you'll be entered to win an all-expenses paid flight to Las Vegas! Plans start at just $240 and youth season tickets are $150 for all the same benefits. Head to BloomingtonThunder.com for a full list of benefits and pricing options along with our new seating map. Call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980 for information and booking.



United States Hockey League Stories from May 28, 2015


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