Khokhlachev returns to Spitfires from Russia

by Rob Benneian

The Windsor Spitfires announced today the return of star centre Alex Khokhlachev from Russia.

Khokhlachev, 19, helped guide the Russian national junior team to a bronze medal victory over Canada at the recent World Junior Hockey Championships, held in Ufa, Russia.

A year ago, Khokhlachev helped guide the Spits to a playoff berth. However, his season was cut short after he suffered a lacerated spleen in a game in Plymouth, Mich. He missed the remainder of the regular season and all four playoff games as the Spitfires were swept by the eventual Ontario Hockey League champion London Knights.

Khokhlachev left following the 2011-12 campaign to join Spartak Moscow, a Kontinental Hockey League team managed by his father Igor. After struggling to produce offensively, registering just seven points in 26 games with Spartak after 145 over two seasons with the Spits, Khokhlachev decided to return to Windsor.

The move was made possible when Spits general manager Warren Rychel claimed Khokhlachev on re-entry waivers Oct. 5.

“We’re thrilled to have Koko back with the Spitfires,” Rychel said. “He adds an element of speed and
scoring up front that will inject some excitement into our club. The biggest thing is he has the ability to make our other players better as we make a push for the playoffs.”

Khokhlachev is expected to be in the lineup for the Spits next game Jan. 10. when they play host to the Brampton Battalion.