Lospenov Proving Draft Gem for Mississauga

[Gretzky didnt lift da puck 53]

Mississauga, ONT – Former third round draft pick Mikhail Lospenov has already rewarded the Mississauga Hounds red-light tallies through the first nine games of the VHLM season.

 

Lospenov, 18, was drafted 31^st overall in the S80 draft, a position that was far below original expectations, and was determined to prove that the other 32 picks were mistakes.

 

“It was a little discouraging at first,” said Lospenov. “I have put all of that behind me, and I know that I have to prove that I belong where I was picked and even beyond that.

 

The Russian forward is certainly proving a strong selection for the Hounds as he has totaled 13 points through his opening nine games of his career. Of the 13 points, five of those have come by way of Lospenov’s lethal shooting ability, confirming all of the scouting praise leading to the S80 Draft.

 

“I’ve had a lot of success, all my life, when I shoot the puck,” Lospenov explained. “There are a lot of great goaltenders and defenses at this level, and it is comforting to know that I can generate offense already and still have so much room for growth.”

 

Lospenov’s scoring success didn’t take long to come about, as he amassed six points in his first three games of his career. The opening game of the season saw the Russian with his first multi-point night, scoring a goal and an assist.

 

The biggest showing for the young Lospenov came in the third game of the season, an overtime win over Philadelphia, when Lospenov totaled two goals and an assist, including the overtime winner.

 

“This young man’s ability to change a game, and for that matter win a game, is what sets him apart from the other guys drafted this season,” said VSN analyst Maxime Tybureaux. “It is very difficult, at his age, to jump into this level of competition and immediately start scoring. Usually, a rookie will see his numbers climb in the second half of the season, but Mikhail Lospenov has hit the ground running and is tearing this league apart.”

 

Early in the season, Mississauga has relied heavily on the youngster with his ice time being a significant factor in his performance. The drawback to the increased playtime, however, has been Lospenov’s lackluster showing in the defensive end, where he has narrowly kept his plus/minus in the positives at +1.

 

“Everyone is acting like this is a surprise that Mikhail Lospenov is on the ice when the Hounds are being scored on,” ranted Tybureaux. “This was in bold on every scouting report, I said it, every analyst who sat at this desk said it. This kid is an offensive threat and lacks on the defensive side of the puck. The positive of this is that we are seeing him play better in his own end with each passing game.”

 

Lospenov has recorded nine hits in as many game, proving that while not the most aggressive player, he is understanding that the VHLM demands a two-way role in order to remain successful from night to night.

 

The Hounds have struggled to earn wins in the early goings, but with a healthy top-six of drafted scorer, including Lospenov, fortune could quickly change in Mississauga.

[jRuutu 2,483]

9.75/10

 

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