Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Alexei Kolosov made his 2023-24 season debut in dramatic fashion as he pitched a 26 save shutout in a 6-0 Dinamo Minsk victory. For the season, he compiled a 22-21-3 record with a 2.39 GAA, and a .907 Save Percentage. Today the Flyers received great news as the Dinamo Minsk officially announced that Kolosov will be heading to North America to pursue his dreams with the orange and black.
Kolosov played well this past season for the Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. He stands at 6’1 and weighs 187 pounds. Kolosov played in arguably the second toughest league in the world, as he moves laterally post to post well.
This young native of Belarus in Kolosov was born on January 4, 2002 in Minsk, BLR. He breathed, and started playing the sport of hockey practically from birth. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Minsk as he registered a commanding 2.55 GAA, and amassed a .912 Save Percentage in 42 games played in 2022-23.
The young 21-year-old prospect worked his tail off in the offseason to improve his game. He is seasoned and gaining experience. A team can never have too many goalies in their system. I think former Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher really liked that he was seasoned, thus selecting Kolosov.
“Kenny Hoodikoff, our Russian scout, and Joak identified him early, playing in Minsk, and then we had goalie guys are confident they can mold into an NHL goalie. In the third round, it was certainly picked out. We were hoping to get him there and it worked out.” – Flyers Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr
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Kolosov has good reflexes, posseses an outstanding work ethic, and good rebound control. The Flyers have no reason to rush this young netminder, but it does help that he has played in the KHL for developmental reasons. It really shows the potential of Kolosov. He will challenge Cal Petersen for the starting job in Lehigh next season.
Of course, Kolosov suited up in two games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this past season, so he can just ease into next season with little pressure. A report was recently published by Belarus Hockey and they suggested that Kolosov would like to return to the KHL next season, stating troubles adapting to North America. It’s a vague report with no details, I mean grant it he was only here in North America for about a month, so it’s highly unlikely it’s a bout playing time, but it did not indicate having trouble adapting to culture.
It’s typical, especially a young player from Europe, to be homesick here in North America. This is probably the case for Kolosov. Now he can’t just leave voluntarily for the KHL, he has a contract with the Flyers, so he’s binded by that agreement. The Flyers would have to give him permission/loan to leave. I can’t see the Flyers doing that either.
Belarus Hockey representative Stepan Voronkov reported that Kolosov has had troubles with adaptation to North America, and exactly, “Has problems with adaptation in North America.”
This would be a good time for Kolosov to link up with Ivan Fedotov, whom is 27-years-old. It appears Fedotov will be around the area throughout the Summer, as he attended a roller hockey event last weekend within the area. Fedotov, of course, hails from Russia, so there is familiarity with the culture for Kolosov and Fedotov. Kolosov also speaks very little English, so Fedotov could also help him in that area, as well.
It’s hard adapting to another culture, but Kolosov knew the risks of such, thus agreeing to sign with the Flyers. This might just be a smoke screen from Kolosov’s camp, maybe he wants a clearer understanding of where stands within the organization. However, this report could just really mean that Kolosov is homesick, and maybe this is his way of reaching out for help. I cannot confirm or deny anything, but either way, Fedotov and Kolosov could learn the North American culture together and help guide each other through these times.
A towering prospect in Fedotov stands at 6’7 and weighs 214.5 pounds, per the Flyers PR. He was found by former Flyers’ General Manager Ron Hextall in the 7th round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Since being drafted by the Flyers; the now 27-year-old Fedotov made his way up the ranks in Russia. He was playing in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League), which is not only Russia’s top league, but it’s arguably the second toughest league in the World. Fedotov spent time with CSKA Moscow in his final season to date in the KHL where he posted a 14-10-2 record, a 2.00 GAA (Goals Against Average), with a .919 SV% (Save Percentage). Moreover, Fedotov was also credited with two shutouts. Simply put, he kicked butt, and deserved the honor to play for his home country of Russia in the Olympics.
He finally made his NHL Debut and it was a success, while backstopping 19 sanes on 21 shots faced. Fedotov really showed promise, and was one of a few players that played their butts off in a losing effort on Monday night, “I don’t care if I’m playing for the first minute or whole game. Just want to help the team,” Fedotov said following his NHL Debut.
“He’s the only god damn player who played in the second period.” – John Tortorella
Fedotov made quite the name for himself in his native country, thus he earned an Entry-Level-Contract (ELC) and a two-year extension for his efforts. Now Kolosov and Fedotov could get to know each other well, and help each other through the offseason in North America.
