ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The Rockford IceHogs are very happy with their goaltending tandem. Drew Commesso is a proven AHL winner. Now rookie Stanislav Berezhnoy is turning heads as the number two goaltender.
Berezhnoy is a 22-year-old from Russian. He was signed tow a two-year, entry-level contract earlier this year. He started for the IceHogs this past Sunday in their 3-2 win at Iowa against the Wild. He had 28 saves. It was his first game back after missing more than three weeks of action with an injury.
Berezhnoy made his IceHogs’ debut October 12th. The IceHogs won that game 6-2. Berezhnoy had 29 saves. Overall, Berezhnoy had appeared in three games. He has allowed six goals, and his record is 3-0.
Berezhnoy has a large 6-4 frame. He also has good quickness to go with that size.
Berezhnoy is not only getting his feet wet as a professional, he is also adjusting to life in the United States. That includes getting a grasp on the English Language. IceHogs defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin has been helping him out as an interpreter.
Kuzmin assisted Berezhnoy Tuesday during a media day interview following practice. To hear some of that, watch the media player above.