Maxim “I am drafted” Kitsyn, the LA Kings 6th round draft pick last year is having a helluva World Junior Championship. The Russian junior team, thought to have had no chance after losing their first 2 games, now find themselves in the gold medal game.
Kitsyn’s game tying goal with little time on the clock against Finland made it possible to meet the powerful Swedes in the Quarter Finals. Down yet again with time running out, the Russians tied the game and then won it in a shootout.
Kitsyn, who plays in the KHL, will be allowed to play in the OHL after the tournament is over. He won’t play for just any team. He’ll be playing for the best team in the league; the Mississauga St. Michaels Majors. The GM and coach of the Majors just happens to be the coach of the Canadian national junior team, Dave Cameron.
Maxim can look forward to some seriously good coaching and Kings fans can look forward to a steal of a pick if things work out. At 6’2, 194 lbs., Maxim currently plays left wing; an all too needed position with the big club. Mississauga also happens to be hosting this years’ Memorial Cup. Quite an introduction to North American Hockey, don’t you think?
Has there been confimation? This is certainly good news.
Nope. Expected to be finalized according to McKenzie.