6'1" - 185 lbs
D.O.B. : February 12, 1994
Selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection, Galchenyuk is the second of the Stings Russian Dynamic Duo. Or is he? Galchenyuk actually has duo citizenship, Russian and American and both countries hockey governing bodies waited with anticipation on which nation he would choose. And Galchenyuk chose to play for the USA internationally.
Galchenyuk was just the fourth ever American to be selected number one in the Priority Draft. This coming off of a 44 goal 43 assists season in just 38 games for the Chicago Young Americans in a US Tier 1 Midget League, enough two finish 33 points ahead of the runner up.
He finished his rookie OHL season second only to Yakupov in rookie scoring when he scored 31 goals and 52 assists along with 52 penalty minutes while playing all 68 games for the Sting. His 83 points were more than any other two 94 birthdate players combined. He was third in rookie goals behind Yakupov and Alex Khokhlachev and tied for first in assists with Yakupov.
Long time family friend and agent, and an advisor to Galchenyuk, described Galchenyuk as Marian Hossa like.
Sting Head Scout Jim Debenham is impressed by Galchenyuk, saying, "The first time I saw Alexander play I knew he was a special player. He is one of the most dominating players I have seen in this age group. He has great hands and is a natural goal scorer. He's a player that tries to make something happen on every shift. He makes the players around him better. Alexander has the best point per game average of all players in this year's draft at 2.28 with the next closest being 1.91. He is 1 of 3 players in the entire draft that averaged more than 1 goal per game at 1.16."
Director of Central Scouting and Player Development for the OHL, Robert Kitamura added, "Alex Galchenyuk has to be considered one of the most gifted, creative and skilled offensive players available in this years draft (2010). He was a dominate force in the U16 level in USA Hockey's Tier 1 Midget League, and he has the potential to be just as exciting and productive in the Ontario Hockey League. Fans of the Sarnia Sting and the OHL will benefit as Alex continues his development over the next few years."
It's still early, but Galchenyuk has made a strong case to be a top 5 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft already.
Galchenyuk was named to the OHL's First All Rookie Team.
Galchenyuk was named to the OHL's First All Rookie Team.
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