March 24, 2010
Rattlers' star signs pro contract in East Coast Hockey League!
The NHL's Ottawa Senators like what they see and sign him to their Elmira Jackals affiliate!
March 24, 2010
Rattlers' star signs pro contract in the ECHL!
GMHL President Bob Rusell confirmed today that Bradford Rattlers scoring leader Artem Podshendyalov has signed a one-year contract with the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League.
The Jackals are the farm club of the NHL's Ottawa Senators, who scouted Artem throughout the season, and were obviously impressed enough with his skill and potential to place him with the Jackals.
Podshendyalov, one of several Russian players on the Rattlers, finished second in league scoring behind Deseronto's Brad Clark, and quickly developed a reputation as an outstanding offensive player.
He attracted a number of NHL scouts throughout the season, but it was the Senators who were prepared to step up and make the commitment to the Rattlers star with the hope he can prove himself in the East Coast league and eventually work his way up the ladder to the major league level.
Elmira General Manager Robbie Nichols confirmed the contract today, and is pleased to have Podshendyalov with his team, though he will have to wait until next season to join the club on the ice. Unfortunately, the working visa required to play in the U.S. will take some time for a player out of Russia like Artem, or he could have joined the club immediately.
Those of us with the GMHL are obviously pleased with this signing, and it demonstrates once again, the kind of talent our league is attracting. We're also hoping that other higher level organizations will take notice of some of our other exceptional talent - like the one player who beat Artem for the scoring title - Brad Clark of Deseronto, and more!
Congratulations to Artem, and there's more to come!