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 Russian prospect makes move to Texas

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Sergei Korostin, a highly touted Dallas Stars draft pick out of Russia in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is now playing hockey in Texas. Korostin made his Texas debut Saturday night with the Texas Tornado at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Frisco.

The 18-year-old Russian, who started this season playing in the Russian Super League, didn't register any points in his first game in the North American Hockey League.

Bringing the highly skilled Korostin, a third round pick (64th overall), over to North America could have several benefits for the Stars.

If Korostin is playing in North America it could help the Stars avoid any transfer issues with Russia, which is not expected to be a part of any future IIHF-NHL transfer agreement.

It will also help the young Russian get acclimated to life in North American and speed up his learning of English, which he has started to study.

Playing with the Tornado, which has an affiliation with the Stars and shares the same facilities in Frisco, is a perfect fit.

Despite getting into the Dallas area early Saturday morning and perhaps not having his legs entirely under him in the game, Korostin led the Tornado with 6 shots on goal. His best scoring chance came on a rebound with just under eight minutes to go in the game, the Tornado down 2-1 and on the power play.

Korostin showed flashes of skill and his stickhandling prowess but he also had his sluggish moments in the game, struggling with turnovers at times. But under the circumstances, it was a good debut for Korostin.

The Russian left wing, who shoots right, saw plenty of power play time in the game and was on the ice at the end of the game as the Tornado tried desperately to get the equalizer. But the Tornado came up short, losing 2-1 to Fairbanks.

Korostin was ranked 8th among European skaters by Central Scouting for the 2007 draft and was ranked 22nd overall by Red Line Report, an independent scouting service.

He made a name for himself at the under-18 World Juniors last year, picking up five goals in seven games. He saw limited action in the Russian Super League this season and had apparently been dealing with some injuries.