GALIEV CLOSER TO MAKING RUSSIAN TEAM

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Stanislav Galiev will have a chance to reach his goal of making the Russian national junior team later this week.

A Sea Dogs release posted on their website states that Galiev will play in a pre-tournament game on December 23 against Slovakia. The game will be used as a mini-tryout.

Galiev learned the news early Sunday morning as the Sea Dogs returned from a pair of wins over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. He is scheduled to fly to Jamestown, N.Y., Monday morning to join the Russian camp in hopes of competing in the main tournament.

The 18-year-old forward, a third-round pick of the Washington Capitals in the 2010 NHL draft, is set to suit up against Slovakia in Russia’s pre-tournament game on Dec. 23.

“I have to play an exhibition game and if I do good I’m going to play (in the tournament). It’s like a tryout for me,” Galiev said. “I’m pretty excited they gave me a chance and I have to use it.”

If Galiev makes the Russian squad, he will join Canadian Simon Despres and Slovakian Tomas Jurco as the Sea Dogs to play in the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships. Galiev’s exhibition game on the 23rd will be against Jurco’s Slovaks while the Russians open up the tournament against Canada on Boxing Day.

“It will be fun to play against each other,” Galiev said.

The Washington Capitals prospect knows all about playing against teammates as he suited up for Russia in Game One of the 2010 Subway Super Series against Sea Dogs Nathan Beaulieu, Zach Phillips, and Jonathan Huberdeau.

In 31 games this season, Galiev is on a point-per-game pace with 16 goals 15 assists. On Friday, the first overall pick in the 2009 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft scored two goals in Saint John’s 6-2 win over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

The selection process for the Russian team has been a confusing mess. A couple rosters from the Russian media stated that Galiev would join the team either for a training camp or for the tournament. Apparently, those were not accurate as the Sea Dog was given the news today.

On a side not, RussianProspects.com tweeted the following this morning: “Ivan Telegin NOT to play at the WJC due to an injury, Stan Galiev called as substitute.”

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation