Ilya Kovalchuk

Russian professional hockey player Ilya Kovalchuk currently plays for the Atlanta Thrashers in the National Hockey League. In 2001, Kovalchuk became the first Russian born player to be drafted first overall in the NHL Draft.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Ilya Valeryevich Kovalchuk
2. Born: April 15, 1983
3. Birthplace: Tver, Russia
4. Nickname: Kovy
5. Height: 6' 1"
6. Weight: 225 lbs.
7. Position: Left Wing
8. Shoots: Right
9. Draft year: 2001

NHL Career

Kovalchuk was drafted first overall in the 2001 NHL draft by the Atlanta Thrashers. He immediately joined the team and played 65 games his rookie year. Kovalchuk scored 29 goals and 22 assists during the 2001-02 regular season, earning him a nomination for the NHL Rookie of the Year award, the Calder Trophy. Kovalchuk scored the most goals during the 2003-04 season, earning him the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy. He played in the Russian Super League during the 2004-05 NHL Lockout. Kovalchuk returned to the Thrashers following the lockout and in 2006, became the first Thrashers player to score over 50 goals in a single season.

Career Highlights

• 2002: Winter Olympics, bronze medal with Team Russia
• 2002: NHL YoungStars Game
• 2002: Runner-up for the Calder Trophy
• 2004: NHL All-Star Game
• 2004: Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy
• 2008: NHL All-Star Game

Timeline

• 1999-01: HC Spartak, Russian Super League
• 2001: Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers
• 2001-04: Atlanta Thrashers
• 2004-05: Ak Bars Kazan, Russian Super League
• 2005-present: Atlanta Thrashers

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