As a sports writer, and a huge hockey fan, there are very few moments that pull you out of the zone that is your love for hockey.  Monday night, though, was one of those moments.  Playing in Russia, Alexei Cherepanov, a 19 year old prospect for the New York Rangers, playing for Avangard Omsk alongside his hero Jaromir Jagr, collapsed suddenly on the bench.  His heart had stopped, and after attempts to regain a heartbeat, Cherepanov did not awaken, and had passed on.

This comes as a huge shock to not only the New York Rangers, but the hockey world itself.  This was a young kid with a bright future.  Jaromir Jagr, after leaving the Rangers to play in Russia, joined Cherepanov on Avangard Omsk.  Jagr quickly became Cherepanov’s idol, and the two would often remain on the ice after practice to continue training.  Jagr had even told Tom Renney, head coach of the Rangers, that at his current playing level, Cherepanov could have played on the Rangers 2nd line.

The death also comes as a shock to me as I write this.  I had spent countless weeks 2 years ago during the Flyers breakdown season, hoping the Flyers would draft Alexei.  Cherepanov’s draft ranking fell, and eventually went midway in the first to the New York Rangers.  I remember distinctly telling my friend Tom, a huge Rangers fan, that that pick was a steal, he easily was a top 10 player, and that Cherepanov was going to be big.

From both myself and BleepingIdiots.com, we wish all the love and support to Cherepanov’s friends and family in these trying times.