University of Connecticut forward Ruslan Iskhakov has opted to turn pro with TPS in the Liiga, according to multiple reports. The Moscow, Russia, native was a mainstay in the top six for the Huskies over his two seasons. Iskhakov appeared in 64 games while recording 15 goals and 27 assists. Iskhakov showed flashes of elite...
University of Connecticut forward Ruslan Iskhakov has opted to turn pro with TPS in the Liiga, according to multiple reports.
The Moscow, Russia, native was a mainstay in the top six for the Huskies over his two seasons. Iskhakov appeared in 64 games while recording 15 goals and 27 assists. Iskhakov showed flashes of elite skill and hockey sense but struggled with the physicality of college hockey at times.
An ’00 left-shot forward, Iskhakov was a second-round pick of the New York Islanders in the 2018 NHL draft. Iskhakov and the Islanders both preferred that he return to UConn for his junior season. However, financial reasons related to the coronavirus forced him and his family to make the decision to turn pro.
UConn head coach Mike Cavanaugh and his staff likely planned for this by adding Artem Shlaine for the 2020-21 season. The Shattuck-St. Mary’s center committed to the Huskies on May 13 after decommitting from Boston University.
BC adds transfer from Alabama-Huntsville
After Alabama-Huntsville announced it was dropping its program, forward Liam Izyk entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and chose to continue his college hockey career at Boston College.
The ’98 from Blackie, Alberta, had three goals and eight assists in 32 games as a freshman for the Chargers. Prior to that, he spent three seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Fort McMurray Oil Barrons. He served as the team’s alternate captain during his last two seasons of junior hockey.
Izyk is a good depth pickup for the Eagles. Based on returning players and expected incoming freshmen, BC had just 13 forwards on the roster prior to news of Izyk’s transfer. Due to UAF disbanding its program, Izyk will be eligible immediately instead of having to sit out the usual one year in residence.
