HITMEN DRAFT PROFILE - YERYOMENKO

An extra year made a world of difference.
After being passed over the 2017 NHL Draft, Hitmen defenceman Vladislav Yeryomenko was determined to make a statement in his sophomore season.
The Belarus native didn't disappoint, as he became the go-to defender for the Hitmen to chip in offensively and play against the opposition's top lines.
"I was happy to get as many points as I did and help the team as much as I could," Yeryomenko said. "I gained a lot of confidence in my game and want to continue to improve each day.
"I'm so excited for the draft, it's a big moment for me and we'll see if I hear my name called. I'm not too worried if I don't get drafted because I know there will be opportunities but I am definitely hoping to be drafted."

For his rookie season in 2016-17, Yeryomenko amassed for six goals and 25 points in 62 games for his first year playing in North America. This past season, the defender took off as he his game oozed confidence.
In 63 games played, the point production sky-rocketed as he ended with 13 goals and 41 points, with seven markers coming on the powerplay.
"Nobody ever doubted his ability," Hitmen general manager Jeff Chynoweth said. "He continues to impress and elevate his game to new heights."
"He's the type of player that in today's NHL where special teams are so important he can be a valuable commodity."
The 19-year-old also represented on the international stage at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships with Belarus, finishing the tournament with six points in six tilts.
The offensive output on both the international stage and with the Hitmen saw Yeryomenko jump six spots from his mid-term ranking in NHL Central Scouting to finish at 73.
"When coach started giving me more minutes it showed the trust and how much my hard work has paid off," he said. "It was a goal of mine to get more ice time and show that I can be a top-two defenceman in this league."
There's no question that Yeryomenko has taken major leaps both on and off the ice, and admits to feeling more confident headed into this year's draft, with all the growing he had to go along with a breakout year.
"It was pretty hard for me in my first to get used to a new culture, new country and new language," he said. "Now I'm more comfortable with everything. My teammates and coaches have helped me feel at home and helped me become a better player. I feel very lucky to play here in Calgary."