Russian professional hockey player Ilya Kovalchuk currently plays for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League. In 2001, Kovalchuk became the first Russian born player to be drafted first overall in the NHL draft.

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 2001-2002 regular season, earning him a nomination for the NHL Rookie of the Year award, the Calder Trophy. Kovalchuk scored the most goals during the 2003-2004 season, earning him the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy. He played in the Russian Super League during the 2004-2005 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.

• 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

• 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

• Mahalo's Guide to the Atlanta Thrashers
  • Internet Hockey Database: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 235
  • Rookie Year: 1999-2000

• NHL Official Store: Ilya Kovalchuk

• eBay: Ilya Kovalchuk Merchandise and Collectibles

• Live Product Search: Ilya Kovalchuk

• Yahoo! Shopping: Ilya Kovalchuk

• CBS Sports Store: Ilya Kovalchuk

• • This page was created by Angie, a Part Time Guide in the Mahalo Greenhouse (see the original), and curated by Ken.

• If you'd like to help us create the best spam free search results on the Internet, apply to be a Part Time Guide!</em>