Bobcats add strong shots to the blue line with signing of Andrei Ivanov to PTO

Wytheville, VA – The Blue Ridge Bobcats have added another wall to their backline with the signing of Rookie defenseman Andrei Ivanov to a Professional Tryout.

Ivanov spent last season in the FPHL with the Delaware Thunder, skating in 41 games earning 2 goals, 9 assists, and 11 points. 

Prior to his time in the FPHL, the 22-year-old Omsk, Russia native spent his time with the WHSL(Utah Outliers), USPHL(Pueblo Bulls, Florida Eels, and Atlanta Mad Hatters), and CAJHL(Vernal Oilers) from 2019 to 2022.

 Finding most of his success with the Vernal Oilers during the 2021-2022 season, in 31 games skated he earned 11 goals, 26 assists, and 37 points.

A player who stays resourceful off the line, Ivano is seen as more of a sharpshooter from the Blue Line. That backline skill is one of the reasons Head Coach Vojtech Zemlicka used to pick up Ivanov during the 2023 FPHL Expansion Draft.

“Andrei played for the Delaware Thunder last season and we picked him up from the expansion draft. He was one of the top D on Delaware’s team and so I am very happy about the signing. He brings a big body presence, great vision all over the ice, he’s got a great first pass, very patient with the puck, doesn’t rush plays and it’s very valuable to have a defenseman like himself on the team. He’s very mobile on the ice and always shoots with purpose,” Said Zemlicka.

You can catch Andrei Ivanov and the rest of the Blue Ridge Bobcats for their home opener and the start of the inaugural season on Friday, October 20th at 7:30 p.m. inside the Apex Center(The Den). Don't miss any of the action this season and pick up your season tickets now at https://wkf.ms/3QG3VmC.

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