Alexei Ponikarovsky

Alexei Ponikarovsky (born Oleksiy Volodymyrovych Ponikarovsky on April 9, 1980) is a Ukrainian-Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for HC Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets and the New Jersey Devils.

Alexei was drafted in the third round (87th overall) by the Maple Leafs at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

Personal Life
On June 7, 2007, Alexei became a Canadian citizen during a ceremony in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. He lives in Miami, Florida with his wife Inna, daughter Jessica and sons Alex & Maxim while still owning a house in Toronto.

He has favored wearing the number 23 as two of his grandparents were born on the 23rd, along with his wife.

After signing with St. Petersburg, Alexei obtained additional Russian citizenship as many Ukrainians in the KHL do.