Jevpalovs Invited to NHL Training Camp

The GMHL would like to recognize and congratulate alumnus Nikita Jevpalovs, who has received an invitation to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers training camp.

Jevpalovs will be in pre-season line-up on September 22nd when the Flyers split squads play the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals.

Nikita has spent his last two seasons Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL), and has committed their for the upcoming campaign.  Jevpalovs notched a career high 70 points (38g, 32a) in only 81 games through last regular season and playoffs. He was the Blainville's leading point and goal scorer during the playoffs, garnering the attention of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers.

Jevpalovs continued to impress on an international level. Nikita was the Alternate Captain for Team Latvia in the IIHF U20 World Junior Championships. He lead Latvia in points and finished second in the tournament scoring race with 9 points in 5 games.

This is not Nikita's first sniff from the NHL. Despite being ranked #86th overall for European skaters by NHL Centreal Scouting for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Nikita was not drafted.

During his season with the South Muskoka Shield (GMHL) 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 a Russell Cup Finals appearance. He was named the GMHL Rookie of the Year.

Nikita joins Darren Archibald (Richmond Hill Rams, 2007) as the second GMHL Alumni to receive an invitation to NHL Training Camps.

Everyone here with the GMHL and Shield organization 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!