[News] With the #187 overall pick the Flames select D RUSHAN RAFIKOV

[T@T]

Originally Posted by icarus

Thank you Igor Kravchuk for tipping off Calgary about
Rafikov. Flames eyes everywhere.

Should probably thank Conroy as well, he took his buddy Igor's thoughts seriously, got a tape of his play and made sure the scouting staff all looked at it.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by btimbit

I didn't know his coach was an ex-flame, that's pretty neat

King has a long record of developing and coaching at a top level. I believe he won the gold in the U20s and coached Team Canada for many years when it was made up by university and minor league players.

[T@T]

I'm honestly a little shocked that Dave King is coaching in Russian's minor leagues, I knew he was in Russia but I thought for sure the KHL.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by T@T

I'm honestly a little shocked that Dave King is coaching in Russian's minor leagues, I knew he was in Russia but I thought for sure the KHL.

My understanding King is coaching in the KHL. Yaroslav drafted Rafikov in the KHL draft. What Button was referring to was that once Rafikov made it to the KHL he would be coached by King.

I am not sure who is coaching him in the VHL.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

My understanding King is coaching in the KHL. Yaroslav drafted Rafikov in the KHL draft. What Button was referring to was that once Rafikov made it to the KHL he would be coached by King.

I am not sure who is coaching him in the VHL.

Yeah, King is coaching the KHL team. We'll see in Rafikov can make that team next season. I'd still like to see him come over for rookie camp and the Penticton tourney.

[JiriHrdina]

Dave Kings book on coaching in the KHL is a must read

[DazzlinDino]

Here is an interesting story of Dave King coaching in the KHL

Dave King coaching Yaroslav Lokomotiv KHL playoffs

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by icarus

Thank you Igor Kravchuk for tipping off Calgary about
Rafikov. Flames eyes everywhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank "Gary" Kravchuk.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I have no problem letting him develop under Dave King at all. I also like that the kid has some character - wanting to play for the team that suffered the plane crash - that bodes well.

Sounds like a Smid replacement in 3 years.

With the negative stigma around Russians, it's nice to hear a story about a Russian player having good character.

[Gaskal]

Would be great for Rafikov being under King's tutelage. I loved his book on when he spent a year in Russia coaching Metallurg Magnitogorsk, seems like the right kind of attitude and style of hockey to be developing Rushan under.

After he got the news that he was being let go, the Metallurg players went up to him and were saying things like "Hey coach, even though you won't be here next year, me and the guys would love for you to come back" and "Coach, I thought my career was over but you showed me the way"

[Southside]

What # is he wearing?

[FLAMESRULE]

Originally Posted by Southside

What # is he wearing?

7 I think

[Freeway]

He's #7 for Russia.

[burn_this_city]

He doesn't look out of his element against Canada. Could be a late round steal if we get him over here.

[djsFlames]

Was silently cheering for a Rafikov goal when we were up 5-1

[bob-loblaw]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Was silently cheering for a Rafikov goal when we were up 5-1

Did he get an assist on their second goal?

[sureLoss]

interesting that Rafikov is playing both left and right side of ice, depending on who his defensive partner is

[Ashasx]

He must have had 5 shots tonight.

[Machiavelli]

Wrong thread

[Jacks]

Only caught the 3rd period but it seemed like Rafikov was on the ice the whole period.