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Rangers prospect Cherepanov dies

Mon 13th, October 2008

Moscow, Russia (Sports Network) - New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov passed away Monday at the age of 19 after collapsing on the bench during a game in Russia.

Cherepanov was playing as a forward for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League when the tragedy occurred. He fell unconscious in the third period and attempts to revive Cherepanov were unsuccessful.

Details on what caused the collapse have not been released.

"We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei," said Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather. "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."

Cherepanov was selected by New York with the 17th overall pick in the 2007 draft. He was playing on the same Russian team as Jaromir Jagr, who left the Rangers to sign a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk this past summer.

The Barnaul, Russia native was off to an excellent start to the KHL season, registering seven goals and five assists in 14 games.