Russian hockey player Alexei Cherepanov was drafted 17th overall in the 2007 NHL draft by the New York Rangers. Cherepanov collapsed on the bench during an October 13, 2008, game and died of an apparent heart attack.ESPN.com: Cherepanov Collapses on Bench During Game, Dies... Heart Attack

Further testing showed that Cherepanov had a heart condition, myocarditis, and should not have been playing hockey in the first place. Cherepanov was also reportedly "blood doping" or his red blood cell count prior to the collapse.ESPN.com: Officials: Cherepanov Took PEDs

While the Russian state police were investigating Cherepanov's death, they revealed that he was playing hockey illegally. Cherepanov was one of 20 who were playing for the Avangard Omsk when they should have been serving their mandatory time in the Russian military.ESPN.com: Official: Alexei Cherepanov Illegally Transferred to Club

Russian officials have speculated that the response time of emergency services could have contributed to Cherepanov's death.ESPN.com: Russian Official Questions Emergency Response in... Death Prosecutors in Moscow are alleging that a hockey club director and ice arena manager should be held responsible for negligence. ESPN.com: Prosecutors blame arena manager...

The New York Rangers are seeking a compensatory draft pick in 2009 as they will be unable to sign Cherepanov, who was previously their first-round pick.ESPN.com: Rangers seek draft pick in wake of Cherepanov's death

Cherepanov began his career with the Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League in 2006. He broke the single-season rookie scoring record, previously held by Pavel Bure, scoring 18 goals and 11 assists. In 2007, Cherepanov helped Russia win the silver medal at the World Ice Hockey Championships. Following his sophomore season in the Russian Super League, Cherepanov was drafted by the New York Rangers. He continued to play in Russia and won a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2008.Official Site of the New York Rangers: Alexei Cherepanov The New York Rangers had planned to bring Cherepanov to the NHL for the 2009-10 season.ESPN.com: Cherepanov Collapses on Bench During Game, Dies... Heart Attack