Macon, Georgia- Former GMHL Defenceman Oleg Khalemin has signed to a training camp roster spot with the Macon Mayhem who play out of the SPHL. Khalemin a year and a half in the GMHL with the New Tecumseth Civics and the Temiscaming Titans before moving on to professional hockey, where he would spend three seasons in the VHL.

Khalemin joined the GMHL in 2014, signing with the New Tecumseth Civics. Khalemin bolstered the Civics blue line, coming in at 6’4” and 223 pounds. Khalemin was an intimidating figure on the Civics back end, playing with an edge, and registering 84 PIMs, but also helped to chip in offensively, posting 9 Goals 25 Assists for 34 Points in 36 Games Played during the Regular Season. The Civics would have an average year in the standings coming 7^th in the South Division. They would end up playing the Tottenham Steam in the playoffs, who were one of the favourites to win that year. The Civics put up an incredible defensive effort against the Steam who were an offensive power house. The Civics would hold the Steam back, taking them to an elimination Game Five, however the Steam would end up on top, winning Game Five 3-2 in overtime. Khalemin would play junior hockey again the following season, starting the year in the NAHL, playing a total of 12 Games for two different teams before coming back to the GMHL for the Temiscaming Titans who had acquired his rights from the Civics. Khalemin would play the last eight games of the season with the Titans, posting seven points. The Titans would end the season 2^nd in the North Division, and would sweep their first round series before taking on the Almaguin Spartans in round two. The Spartans would end up defeating the Titans in four games though, ending Khalemins time in the GMHL.

Khalemin would then move on to the professional level, returning home to Russia and playing in the VHL, the KHL’s affiliate league. Khalemin spent the past three seasons in the VHL, however, last season was the first time he was consistently played on a regular basis. This earned him the attention from the SPHL, and soon he found himself back to North America with the Macon Mayhem, where he will be joining another former GMHL player, Stepan Timofeyev.

“Khalemin is another young player who I had an eye on and waited for him to develop a bit more,” Macon Head Coach Leo Thomas said. “Playing a full year professional hockey in Russia against grown men, I’m hoping he’s ready for the jump. I’m excited to see how he fits in with our club.”

The SPHL is the fourth highest level of professional hockey in North America, behind the ECHL, the AHL, and the NHL. The SPHL is known for advancing its player through the ranks to each of these leagues, most notable among their alumni is NHL Goaltender, Scott Darling. The GMHL is proud to see one of its former players receiving an opportunity to play at this level of hockey, and we wish Khalemin the best of luck at the Mayhem camp.