Rangers Prospect Cherepanov Dies

Alexei Cherepanov, a first round pick of the Rangers in 2007, collapsed during a game in Russia today and died, he was 19. While the details are still emerging, it seems that Cherepanov collapsed first on the ice and then on the bench during the third period his team, Omsk’s, game Monday. According to TSN, the ambulance that is normally at all games in the Kontinental Hockey League was absent and had to be called back. Medical authorities tried to restart his heart, but they were unsuccessful. Rangers GM and President, Glen Sather, issued the following statement: "We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei. On behalf of the New York Rangers organization, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Alexei was an intelligent, energetic young man, with tremendous talent and an extremely bright future."

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By Peter Trinkle in News on October 13, 2008 5:44 PM

Comments [rss]

ides_of_march

Sad, scary. Prayers for the family.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

NannyState

Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome often doesn't come up in routine physicals. Had he signed a full contract as a Ranger with the sort of money that involves, he might have had to undergo a much greater testing regimen, usually with an MRI, but who's gonna heart cath a 19 yr old athlete? Sad.

midtown

If he had a pre-existing heart ailment, I wonder why it wasn't diagnosed during one of the mandatory physicals.

Splicer

Terrible day for his family and friends.

mdow

that's just sad. really sad.

jaycjay

Good chance he was a little younger in that picture. He never actually played for the Rangers, so that shot was probably taken after they drafted them in 2007. The NHL draft is in June. He was born in January 1989 so he wouldn't been just a few months past his 18th birthday on draft day.