Cherepanov dead at the age of 19

October 13, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

I can’t believe it. It’s hard to fathom that Alexei Cherepanov could have really died during a KHL game.

There are no words. The talented Russian prospect who the Rangers selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft was just 19 years-old. He was off to a great start for Omsk having scored seven goals and 12 points in 14 games playing alongside Jaromir Jagr.

Cherepanov collapsed on the bench during the third period of a game. According to coach Wayne Fleming, medics couldn’t revive him after his heart stopped. They tried for a reported 15 to 20 minutes without success.

“We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei,” Rangers Team President and General Manager Glen Sather said after getting the horrifying news. “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.”

His agent Jay Grossman told TSN the following:

“He was a great kid. He had a great smile and was an outstanding player with a great future on and off the ice. It’s both shocking and devastating news for all of us. “

They don’t know what could’ve caused Cherepanov’s fatal death. Certainly, many questions will be asked in the coming days and need to be answered as to how he could’ve died during a Kontinental Hockey League game. I wish I could fully grasp this but it’s impossible without asking why? He was so young.

This isn’t about the promise or talent but for any human being to die so tragically at such a tender age is a nightmare. Of course, I wanted to see him wear the Ranger sweater like many Blueshirt fans and fulfill a lifelong dream. But that’s now on the backburner forever and doesn’t even matter anymore.

He died. I feel so awful for his family. I want to cry and feel I might tonight when they honor his memory before the drop of the puck in what’s now a meaningless hockey game between two rivals. It just doesn’t seem to matter anymore.

I’m terribly distraught by this news. I want to say so much more but don’t know what to say. I guess we’ll just head out to the arena now.

Russian Alexei Cherepanov died tragically during a KHL Game earlier today at the age of 19.

Former Ranger 2007 first round pick Alexei Cherepanov passed away during a KHL Game. He was just 19. R.I.P.

R.I.P. Alexei Cherepanov (1/15/89 – 10/13/08)