NHL Columbus official website announces signing of contract with Belarusian national ice hockey team defender Oleg Yevenko
“Oleg has worked hard on the ice, and off, really earning this contract. We expect him to continue developing his game during the forthcoming season,” comments Jarmo Kekäläinen, the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Yevenko has been working with the Columbus training club, and recently took part in two exhibition matches, against St. Louis and Pittsburgh, where he earned ‘plus 2’ in game effectiveness. His powerful manner of play was noteworthy, as was his ‘battle’ against St. Louis tough guy Cody Beach. The Belarusian grenadier has received good press and feedback from Columbus coaches.
The agreement is bilateral, allowing Oleg to be sent into the American Hockey League (AHL) if he fails to perform as expected.
The Columbus Blue Jackets is an extremely young club (in NHL terms) having debuted during the 2000/01 season. It has only twice qualified for the play-offs. Last year, it earned 89 points across 82 matches in the regular championship and failed to gain a place in the Stanley Cup.
By Igor Leshin
