You may not know who Andrei Svechnikov is, but you probably recognize his last name. Andrei is the “little” brother of the Red Wings’ Evgeny Svechnikov. The 17 year old winger who’s currently in his rookie season in the USHL for the Muskegon Lumberjacks is earning a lot of attention and awards.
With 29 goals and 58 points in 48 games with the Lumberjacks, the younger Svechnikov is their leading scorer, has been named the USHL Rookie of the Year, and was named to the first All-USHL Team. Svechnikov will miss the start of the Lumberjack’s playoff run because he’s off representing Russia in the Under 18 World Juniors. Not a bad resume for a 17 year old playing in his first USHL season!
While the 6’2” 187 pound winger from Russia won’t be draft eligible until 2018, he’s already considered a top prospect to watch for his draft year.
For just a little taste of what this kid can do, here’s him scoring a hat trick plus an assist vs the Czech Republic back in December in the World Junior A Challenge.
And his goal and shootout goal vs the Dubuque Fighting Saints in January of this year.
It’s pretty cool to see Evgeni’s brother come over and play so close to “home”, right here in Michigan, and I remember reading a while back that Mamma Svechnikov was over here as well, watching her boys play hockey. When Evgeny signed his entry level contract, he immediately sent his signing bonus back to his parents in Russia and he heaped thanks upon them for helping him get that far. I’d bet my last dollar that Mr. and Mrs. Svechnikov are very happy, very proud parents.
In a Russian interview last year, I remember Andrei saying he’d like to play for the Red Wings some day, because it’s was his dream to play on the same line as his brother. I’d be perfectly happy with that dream coming true.
