Vitaly Kolesnik, the Colorado Avalanche goalie who was practically unsolveable by Hartford while he was in the AHL with Lowell last season, has signed a three-year deal with Khimik Voskresensk of the Russian Super League, according to a report that appeared in Sport Express earlier today.
Kolesnik, who backstopped Team Kazakhstan (along with Vitali Yeremeyev) in the 2006 Olympics, appeared in 8 games over two stints for the Colorado Avalanche this season. In 29 games with the AHL Lowell Lock Monsters, Kolesnik was 15-13 with a 2.80 GAA and .918 sv pct, while virtually killing the Wolf Pack every time he faced them.
I thought he had signed a contract with some Moscow team...
Not that it really matters. Budaj is better than Kolesnik, and with Lawson and Wieman doing so well in the minors, the Avs should have good goaltending prospects for awhile yet.
I thought he had signed a contract with some Moscow team...
Not that it really matters. Budaj is better than Kolesnik, and with Lawson and Wieman doing so well in the minors, the Avs should have good goaltending prospects for awhile yet.
He did phish, Khimik Voskresensk of the Russian Super League.
This is very sad to hear, I was really looking forward to seeing Kolesnik play for the Avs again, though I doubt he'd get much playing time (if any), which is probably a major reason why he didn't return.
Personally, I think he's better than both Theodore and Budaj. He's tremendously talented and was awesome for the Avs for the same amount he played last season, especially considering it was his rookie year. He reads plays tremendously well, has sound instincts and reflexes, doesn't drop to his knees prematurely, and I also have yet to see him rattled. I'll always remember his spectacular performance last season against the Devils, where he stood on his head in the shootout and stole the game for us. He didn't get beat once in the SO if I recall correctly, and he ended up outdueling Brodeur. And he faced some tough shots. But each was followed up with an eye-opening save.
I'm going to miss him, if I had my way he'd definitely be our #1 goalie. The Avs darn well better re-sign him ASAP.
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"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13
Best wishes to Steve Moore. Let's not forget what happened...
Av's Vitaly Kolesnik Signs With Khimik
Av's Vitaly Kolesnik Signs With Khimik
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