Macon, Georgia- Former Bradford Rattlers Captain Stepan Timofeyev has signed to a professional tryout agreement with the Macon Mayhem who play out of the SPHL. Timofeyev spent two years in the GMHL with the Tottenham Steam and the Bradford Rattlers before moving on to professional hockey, where he would spend two seasons in the FHL.

Timofeyev joined the GMHL in 2016, signing with the Tottenham Steam at the deadline and bolstering an already stacked line up. Timofeyev had played three years of junior hockey in Russia, including two at the highest level of Russian junior, but decided to come to North America in search of new opportunities. Timofeyev would end up being one of the final pieces of the puzzle for the Tottenham Steam who would finish in first place during the regular season with a record of 41-1-0. Timofeyev would contribute 9 Goals 16 Assists for 25 Points in his 9 Regular Season games. However, the real season begins in the playoffs, and Timofeyev would continue to be an important asset for the Steam posting 23 Goals 26 Assists for 49 Points in 22 Games. With the help of Timofeyev’s impressive play, the Steam would win the 2016 Russell Cup Championship, and Timofeyev would be voted the GMHL Playoff MVP. After a dazzling performance, numerous teams within the league were interested in trading for Timofeyev, however the Rattlers would be the team to snatch him up in the off-season.

Timofeyev became the center-piece of the Rattlers offence, and was also named the Captain of the team for the 2016-2017 Season. Timofeyev would have another tremendous year offensively, posting 38 Goals 69 Assists for 107 Points, driving the Rattlers offence night in and night out. Timofeyev’s play would not only earn him the honour of being named as a GMHL All-Star, but he would also win the GMHL MVP (North) as well for his efforts during the regular season. It should be noted that Timofeyev was an excellent leader off the ice, and always pushed the players around him to be better. Two players that he took under his wing that season were Khassan Al-Dzilaui and Egor Kurbatov, who would both receive QMJHL tryouts the following year, and now play professional hockey together in the VHL. Unfortunately for the Rattlers though, their high-powered offense wasn’t enough to make it past the Temiscaming Titans in the first round of the playoffs that year. Timofeyev left his mark on the GMHL though, and was ready to advance to professional hockey.

The following season, Timofeyev would sign with the Cornwall Nationals of the FHL, but was later traded to the Port Huron Prowlers. Timofeyev wasted no time getting used to the professional level, posting 13 Goals 23 Assists for 36 Points in 29 Regular Season games for the Prowlers. The Prowlers would end the season in first place in the league, before advancing all the way to the finals, but just falling short against the Watertown Wolves. The following year, Timofeyev would sign as a free agent with the Elmira Enforcers. Timofeyev would become a top player for the team, posting 14 Goals 47 Assists for 61 Points in 41 Games Played, and was second on the team in overall scoring. His efforts with the Enforcers earned him two awards at the end of the season, winning the distinction for Top Forwards and Rookie of the Year. Timofeyevs team would end the season in second place, and again advance all the way to the finals for a second year in a row, but again fell just short against the Carolina Thunderbirds. Timofeyev’s efforts in the FHL have garnered interest from the SPHL, and soon he found himself with a professional tryout agreement with the Macon Mayhem.

“I’ve known Stepan since he was playing juniors, and I have been keeping an eye on him as he has matured and played his first two years pro in the FHL,” Mayhem Head Coach Leo Thomas said. “He is a very skilled forward who works extremely hard and has earned the opportunity to showcase his skills and earn a job at our camp.”

“I met Coach Leo two years ago after my last junior year,” Timofeyev said. “He told me to start in the FHL and if I did well he would give me a chance. Last season when I was in Elmira, Coach Brent Clarke really helped me to improve as a player and helped me to have this opportunity. I’m very excited and am looking forward to proving myself and making the lineup.”

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 Timofeyev the best of luck at the Mayhem camp.