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Rebels’ Zaitsev excited to shine for Russia at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Aug 3, 2018 | 4:34 PM

Oleg Zaitsev is being counted on to play a big role for Team Russia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The highly-touted 17-year-old forward is also getting an early taste of Red Deer after being selected by the Rebels in round one of the 2018 CHL Import Draft.

“The emotions are exceptional,” Zaitsev said through a team translator after practice at the Servus Arena on Friday. “Red Deer is a very nice city, and I’m very excited to be here.”

He’s a big kid, listed at 6’1” and 185 pounds, who’s anxious to hit the ice with the Rebels when training camp opens later this month.

“At first, I thought it was very exciting,” he said about being drafted by the Rebels. “ I then started thinking about getting here as soon as I can to see the people and the organization, meet the coaches and staff, and to get started as soon as possible.”

Zaitsev has yet to chat with Rebels GM/head coach Brent Sutter in person. But that will happen soon enough as Russia will play three preliminary round games in Red Deer through Wednesday.  

 “I really like to play physical hockey,” Zaitsev said in describing his style of play.

If true, that will undoubtedly delight Sutter and Rebels fans alike.

“The hockey in North America is different than in Russia, but I really do like physical hockey and to try myself, to test myself in North America is one of the reasons I’m here,” he added.

“He’s an elite level player, a stud,” Sutter said about Zaitsev on reddeerrebels.com. “Right now he’s the best Russian centre iceman in his age group.”

However, Rebels training camp doesn’t start for another few weeks. The task at hand for Zaitsev is authoring a solid performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which many expect him to do.

Draftgeek.ca has pegged Zaitsev a player to watch, saying he “Might be the biggest standout people are talking about after this tournament.”

“I am very proud to represent my country,” Zaitsev said. “It’s a great honour to represent Russia at such a great event, and I will try to do my best to not let down country.”

As with any international tournament his country is part of, Zaitsev says winning the gold medal is the goal.

“Yes, obviously. This is why we are here.”

Russia takes on Switzerland in pre-tournament action Saturday at 3 p.m. in Lacombe before playing three preliminary round games at the Servus Arena – Monday vs. Finland at 3 p.m., Tuesday vs. Czech Republic at 3 p.m., and Wednesday vs. USA at 7 p.m.