Marat Khusnutdinov

Russian U-18 team captain is only 165 pounds and barely five foot nine and is Russian, but it is impossible to dismiss this his elite skating and high skill levels. Leads on the ice by working his balls of every shift. An elite skater who has a big time separation gear along with an acceleration that makes it appear his being shot out of cannon, when he starts up. When in motion on carries, he uses his upper body and head to fake defenders off of him and open to shoot or set up his line mates. Keeps pucks clsoe to his body as he works his way towards the scoring areas.  Displays a very good shot too. He leads by never neglecting his duties away from the puck or in the other two zones where his speed impact on his forechecks. Plays with a decided edge and urgency night after night and as a newcomer to loaded SKA 1946 line-up after transfering from Vityaz Podolsk U18, he has been relagated to newcomers role as their 3rd line chcekcing centre. This has only helped grow his all around game and elevate him to their second line. He is deceptively stong willing to block shots and has been strong in the dot with solid face off percentage. Was the best player in the Five Nations Tourney where the penalty kill ran through him. A full throtte competitor who has a willingness to muscle along the boards. There is always concern with whether imports will test the waters of an entirely different culture in North America, or if an early selection pans out for the team stepping to the podium and announcing the name. A lot depends upon whether you see a player like this as a mid-line up addition who will stick around and be an integral part of the city and team, or is he someone who will be a tourist.

—Bill Placzek—