Russian kids help St. Louis Jr. Blues tearing up the league (Photo © Mike Hazelton/St. Louis Jr. Blues)

Denis Chaltsev and Timofey Tankeev might be two names that we will hear again in the future. The two guys from Moscow are posting impressive stats for the St. Louis Jr. Blues of the Central States Hockey League, as reported in my article appeared on the St. Louis Globe Democrat.

Denis Chaltsev has posted a 17-1 record with four shutouts, a 1.50 goals against average and a .944 save percentage. Timofey Tankeev has had a terrific offensive season. In 43 games, Tankeev has scored 25 goals and added 43 assists for 68 points.

Denis Chaltsev: “Due to the different rink size the play here is faster and tougher. There are many dangerous shots and lots of bounces. In Russia there is more emphasis on passing play and players’ technique. Now I try to combine Russian hockey school with American speed.”

Tankeev’s position is similar.

Timofey Tankeev: “Hockey here is a bit faster and tougher,” he said. “You have to take a decision twice as fast as in Russia. You can’t get your head down even for one second, or someone will give you a good lesson.”

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