Release from 01.07.2024

Salzburg forward Vasili Zelenov drafted by the Buffalo Sabres

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The NHL club Buffalo Sabres secured the rights to Vasili Zelenov at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft last weekend. The 18-year-old forward from the Red Bull Hockey Juniors, who recorded 17 goals and 26 assists in the Alps Hockey League last season, was selected 204th overall in the seventh round.

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The Moscow-born forward came to Salzburg's Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy four years ago and only recently acquired dual Austrian-Russian citizenship. Last season, Zelenov played with the Red Bull Hockey Juniors in the Alps Hockey League and gained 17 goals and 26 assists in 51 games. The forward has already flown to Buffalo to take part in a training camp organised by the NHL club.

Christian Winkler, Managing Director Sports: "We are delighted for Vasili. At the same time, it's always an honour for the entire organisation. Especially for the coaches who have worked with him over the years. With the draft, he is now one of those who will be on the starting line and have the chance to prove himself in North America."

A total of 13 academy players selected by the NHL
Vasili Zelenov is the 13th player to be trained at the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy and drafted by an NHL club. This is the third time the Buffalo Sabres have secured the rights to an academy player. Four years ago, German forward John Peterka was selected (34th) and Vaslav Karabacek was the first academy player ever taken in the NHL Draft (49th) in 2014.