Norfolk, Virginia- Former Bradford Rattlers Captain Stepan Timofeyev has signed a standard player contract with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. 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 six seasons in the FHL and SPHL.

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. 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 garnered interest in the SPHL where he would start to see time in 2019-2020.

Timofeyevs initial taste of SPHL action with Macon would see him perform as one of the exciting young players in the league, it wasn’t long before he was known throughout the league. Timofeyev split time between the FHL and the SPHL for two seasons before becoming a full time SPHL player in 2021-2022 with the Knoxville Ice Bears, scoring at more than a point per game pace for 49 points in 26 games finishing 4^th on his team and 17^th in the league in scoring. This past offseason as a free agent Timofeyev signed with the Birmingham Bulls.

“We’re expecting a big role from him here in Birmingham. His passion and intensity mixed with his skill and grit for putting the puck in the net is next level, and we are excited to see that. His ability to score will generate our offense”, stated Bulls Coach Simchuk. “Not only will he help our offense, but Stepan will also boost our power play with his abilities.”

Timofeyev had 14 points in 18 games for the Bulls this season when it was announced he was being called up to the ECHL by the Admirals. Timofeyev appeared in the Dec 23 game against the Reading Royals, notching 2 shots on goal and 2 Penalty Minutes just before Christmas.

The ECHL is the third tier professional league in North America. It is affiliated with the AHL and the NHL, and has advance players through the ranks to those levels.