2016/17 SEASON WRAP-UP
(Bradford, ON, Mar. 1, 2017)
The Bradford Rattlers dropped Game #4 to the Temiscaming Titans in the Divisional Quarter-finals to end their quest for the 2016/17 Russell Cup Playoff Championship. It was a disappointing end to the season, but the organization can proudly call this season a success with several individual player accomplishments highlighting the year.
This season, the Rattlers were fortunate enough to have several players who will be remembers as some of the most prolific players in the clubs 13 year history.
Rasmus Brunnberg wraps up a three year career with the club. Finishing as the franchise all-time goal scorer leader and fourth in club all-time points with 167 points, 86 goals in just 98 games.
Despite just 1 season with the club, Stepan Timofeyev is another player who will go down in team history, after having one of the highest point, goals and assist totals for a single-season.
Khassan Al-Dzhilaui is now the longest serving Rattler in history. With 117 games, Khassan has dawned the Rattlers jersey more then any other player in club history. He has posted 165 points in his 117 games to sit fifth on the all-time team scoring chart. Khassan is only 17 years of age.
Eight of eight college eligible players received at least one college opportunity looking forward to next season at both the NCAA D3 and ACHA level. In addition, two players have received 2018/19 college offers, bringing the total to 10 Rattlers with College Hockey options. These commitments will be announced as they are confirmed.
Two Rattlers, Stepan Timofeyev & Ilya Zhurin, have been invited to attend an ECHL camp taking place in July, which will start their pursuit of Professional hockey.
Another two Rattlers will be starting their Pro careers even earlier. GM Sean Werth confirmed that Rasmus Brunnberg and Muhammed Kucukyildiz have been offered FHL Pro Contracts to finish the 2016/17 season in pro hockey.
Nine current Rattlers have already re-signed with the club for next season.
Early playoff exits are always disappointing, but the Rattlers are proud of this group of young men and their individual accomplishments and are excited to begin next season.
With twelve players graduating to Pro and College hockey, Bradford will be looking to replace them with young talent. Interested players can contact GM Sean Werth for tryout skates at swerth@russellhockey.ca.
