NYR TODAY SATURDAY 10/13: Alumni Birthdays, Remembering Alexei Cherepanov, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 10/13:

Norm Larson RW (1946-1947) Bill Lochead LW (1979-1980)

Remembering Alexei Cherepanov (January, 15 1989 – October 13, 2008)

Alexei Andreyevich Cherepanov was drafted by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft at number 17. Cherepanov was a legitimate NHL prospect, stating, "He was built for the new-age NHL with his speed, his skill and his ability to make things happen offensively." Cherepanov was excited to be selected by the Rangers, saying, "I believe that New York is the center of the United States and I'm very happy to be selected by the New York Rangers."

Cherepanov attended the Rangers' prospect camp shortly after he was drafted in 2007. At the start of the 2007–08 season, Cherepanov returned to Avangard playing in 46 games and scoring 15 goals, this time in the newly created Kontinental Hockey League. Entering the 2008–09 KHL season, Cherepanov had one year remaining on his contract with Omsk. The Rangers had been attempting to have Cherepanov released from the contract since shortly after he was drafted. During the 2008–09 season, Cherepanov was joined on the Avangard roster by Czech forward Jaromír Jágr. Cherepanov played 14 games with Avangard in 2008. At the time of his death, he was second on the team in goals with seven, and fourth in points.

During a KHL game on October 13, 2008, Cherepanov collapsed on the bench near the end of the game, and could not be resuscitated. He was pronounced dead later that day in hospital at age 19. His cause of death was attributed to heart failure, although there were varying reports as to the specific nature of his underlying medical condition. After his death, the KHL launched an investigation into the emergency response provided by the home team during the game, and also into team officials and physicians for their treatment and management of Cherepanov's health during his career. Avangard retired Cherepanov's #7 jersey after his death, and the KHL renamed its Rookie of the Year trophy to the Alexei Cherepanov Trophy.

Today in NYR History 10/13:

1992: The Rangers trade John Mokosak to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for future considerations.

1993: The Rangers set a franchise record by scoring six power play goals in a 6-4 victory over the Quebec Nordiques at MSG.

2005: Henrik Lundqvist records his first career win, making 20 saves in a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at MSG.