Each month for the rest of the season the GMHL will be highlighting a list of alumni from the league who have advanced to higher levels of hockey following playing in the GMHL. Advancement is a key factor in the development level of the GMHL and is put at the forefront of the leagues principles. This month we will be listing those alumni from the GMLH who are playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), a league with two former GMHL MVP winners playing in it.

*All roster spots confirmed as of December 5^th, 2019*

GMHL Alumni in SPHL:

Evansville Thunder Bolts:

Stanislav Dzakhov (Shelburne Red Wings): The one time GMHL single season points record holder Dzakhov spent the 2010-2011 season with the Shelburne Red Wings and had 140 Points (62G, 78A) in 41 games leading the league in Point and Assists. Following the GMHL Dzakhov played in the USHL and NAHL before playing NCAA hockey for Niagara University. Currently in his 7^th season of pro hockey spent between the ECHL and the SPHL and has 5 points in 12 games for the Thunderbolts.

Huntsville Havoc:

Zach Pease (Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks): In the middle of a lengthy junior hockey career Pease made a stop in Sturgeon Falls to play for the Lumberjacks and had 4 points in 3 games. Pease went on to play 4 years of college hockey in the SUNY Conference for Fredonia and Canton and just recently was called up by the Havoc from the Columbus River Dragons of the FPHL.

Macon Mayhem:

Ryan Devine (Toronto Blue Ice Jets): Averaged more than 2 points per game for the Toronto Blue Ice Jets with 80 points in 39 games while also playing 8 professional games in the FPHL in his lone GMHL season (while being named a GMHL All-Star). Is currently playing in his 4^th season of professional hockey between the FPHL and the SPHL and has an assists and 42 PIMs in 6 games for the Mayhem this year.

Oleg Khalemin (Alliston Coyotes/Temiscaming Titans): Played 2 seasons in the GMHL (One with Alliston and one with Temiscaming) the defenseman made an impact with almost a point per game before returning to his native Russia. Where he played 3 years of Major Junior (MHL) and Professional (VHL) hockey before joining the Mayhem this season. Has appeared in 13 games this year.

Stepan Timofeyev (Tottenham Steam/ Bradford Rattlers): GMHL Champion and GMHL MVP Timofeyev joined the Tottenham Steam in 2015-2016 and was named playoff MVP with 49 points in 22 games on route to a GMHL championship. Captained the Bradford Rattlers the following season posting 107 points and being named MVP. Spent last 2 seasons in the FPHL where he collected Rookie of the Year and Forward of the Year accolades before advancing to the SPHL this season where he has 5 points for the Mayhem through 13 games.

Quad City Storm:

Shane Bennett (Halton Ravens): Having the best season statistically of all GMHL alumni in the SPHL is Shane Bennet who is scoring at an elite pace for the Quad City with 14 points in 14 games after scoring 30 in 34 last year. Like Timofeyev, Bennet also won the MVP in in the GMHL after scoring 108 points in 30 games. Played 4 years in the OJHL before joining the Ravens and went on to play at SUNY-Cortland before advancing to the SPHL 3 years ago.

Dalton Mills (Bradford Bulls): 2 Year captain of the Bradford Bulls who led them to the Russell Cup Championship in 2013-2014. Accumulated 119 points in 96 career junior games. Went on to play four years at Concordia College before signing in the SPHL with Quad City last season. Currently has 5 points in 13 games.

 Roanoke Rail Yard Dogs:

Michael Stiliadis (Toronto Blue Ice Jets): The lone GMHL alumni netminder in the SPHL is Michael Stiliadis who after playing 5 seasons of junior hockey in the OJHL, BCHL, and MJHL joined the Toronto Blue Ice Jets for his final season of junior. In 20 games that season Stiliadis posted a sparkling .913 Save Percentage to go along with a 3.58 GAA and 10 wins. Following the GMHL Stiliadis played 3 seasons of professional hockey in Sweden before being given an opportunity with Roanoke this season, where he has performed admirably with a .908 save percentage and a 4.05 GAA in 5 appearances.

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 former NHL Stanley Cup Champion Goalie, Scott Darling. The GMHL is proud to see its alumni playing at this level of hockey, and we wish all mentioned continued success at the professional level!