Jevpalovs Drafted Into CHL

Jevpalovs drafted into the CHL

The Shield's leading scorer from the 2010-11 season, Nikita Jevpalovs was recently drafter in the 1st round of the CHL Import Draft by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL. Nikita is only the second GMHL alumnus to be selected in the annual CHL Import Draft. The fist was Matus Matis, who played for the Bradford Rattlers in 2009-10 before being taken 18th overall by the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the QMJHL. Nikita was taken 40th overall after playing for HK Riga in his native country of Latvia. HK RIga plays in the MHL, the russian equivalent to major junior hockey here in Canada.

During his season with the Shield Nikita registered 48 goals and 43 assists for 91 points in 41 games. He also added another 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points in only 16 playoff games to help lead the Shield to their third straight Russell Cup Finals appearance. When the Shield ultimately lost in game 7 of the finals, head coach Dallyn Telford recalls Nikita wanting to stay in Canada to continue his hockey career.

As it turned out, Nikita ended up back in Europe this past season playing of his hometown team. His big break came on the largest stage in all of junior hockey when he suited up for Latvia for the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships in Calgary, Alberta. Despite being one of the youngest players in the entire tournament, the 17 year old Jevpalovs led his team in scoring with 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 games. He was named player of the game for Latvia in their opening game against Sweden and scored the overtime winner against Denmark that saved his country from relegation and kept them in the top division for the following year. He also captained the Latvian U18 entry at this years World Under-18 Championships.

His play garnered attention from National Hockey League scouts as he was ranked as high as 86th overall for European skaters for this recent NHL draft. Although he was not selected this year in Pittsburgh, he will no doubt benefit from the increased exposure of playing in the CHL next season. With a strong year he could potentially be an option for teams selecting in next years draft in New Jersey. Returning to smaller ice surfaces here in North America may also help Nikita as his skating has been the aspect of his game scouts show concern with.

Everyone here with the Shield organization and the community itself is extremely proud of Nikita and his accomplishments this far in his young career. We take pride in knowing that we helped Nikita learn to play a different style of hockey here in Canada and fostered the skills and abilities that make him such a dynamic player. Congratulations Nikita!