02-11-2014, 01:56 PM
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#4
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Franchise Player
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss
http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?...id=rss-vickers
Quote:
Rafikov, who was also drafted in the third round, 71st overall into the Kontinental Hockey League by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in 2012, is hoping to take a North American approach to chasing his NHL dream.
It will start by attending the Flames’ development camp next summer.
It extends to potentially playing in the Canadian Hockey League next fall, he said.
“I had a talk in my first game (of the Subway Super Series) with (Flames scouting director) Todd Woodcroft and they expect me next season and have invited me to the camp,” said Rafikov, the 22nd Russian ever drafted by the Flames. “I’m very happy and would be happy to come over to play junior.”
Admittedly, it would be a step up from Loko Yaroslavl, his current MHL team.
Rafikov noted that, based on the level of competition in the Super Series, it would be the next step for his development, too.
“The level here is slightly higher than the MHL from my standpoint,” he said. “I’m pretty tired over the last games. Canadian players are more physical and quite skilled which is a little bit different from the same level in Russia.”
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Look forward to seeing him this summer at development camp
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does this mean Tod Button has been fired? 
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