Alexei Cherepanov

Alexei Cherepanov (born Alexei Andreyevich Cherepanov on January 15, 1989) was a Russian professional ice hockey winger who played for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Previously, he had played for Avangard's lower level teams and then for the senior men's team in the Russian Super League.

Alexei was selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers, although he never played professional hockey in North America.

He represented Russia in international play, and played in several tournaments at the junior level. He won a gold medal at the 2007 World Under-18 Championships. While playing at the Under-20 level, Cherepanov won silver and bronze medals in 2007 and 2008.

During a KHL game in October 2008, Alexei collapsed on the bench near the end of the game, and could not be resuscitated. He was pronounced dead later that day in hospital at the age of 19. His cause of death was attributed to heart failure, although there were varying reports as to the specific nature of his underlying medical condition.

After Alexei's death, the KHL launched an investigation into the emergency response provided by the home team during the game and also into team officials & physicians for their treatment and the management of his health during his career.

Avangard retired Alexei's #7 jersey after his death and the KHL renamed its Rookie of the Year trophy to the Alexei Cherepanov Trophy.