Alexei Cherepanov, Rest In Peace

Greg Caggiano's Radio Tribute to Cherepanov

By now, most have you have already heard the news report that New York Rangers' top prospect Alexei Cherepanov has passed away after a game he played for Omsk Avanguard in Russia.

The news report now is that it was a heart attack induced after an accidental collision with teammate Jaromir Jagr.

Cherepanov was checked with he collided with Jagr, whose elbow struck him in the chest. He then stumbled over to the bench, where he collapsed. The game was put on delay as medics waited for an ambulance, which had already left the arena since the game was close to over.

While "Cherry" lay on the floor of the bench area, Jagr was reportedly yelling, "Wake up! Wake up!" to his close, young friend. The team followed the ambulance to the hospital and held vigil outside. Jagr waited behind, still in full equipment, crying and in total shock.

It took medics twenty minutes to rush Cherepanov to the hospital during which they were able to restart his heart four to five times. He even gained consciousness for a short period before finally passing away in the ICU of a Russian hospital.

It didn't take long for word to reach the United States and send Ranger and hockey fans alike into a complete frenzy. Fans who never knew him and never got to see him play—myself included—are in total shock.

As I type this article out now, I don't know what words of mine can be used to give this situation any justice, so I'll just say this: I am in tears now as I write this, even though I never saw him play. I still can't believe this is real but things happen for a reason and Lord willing, he is in a better place.

With that said, it is still a tragedy.  The nineteen-year old never got a chance to play in the NHL, as he was going to be transferred over next season. Nicknamed the "Siberian Express," he will be remembered as a crafty Russian who had all of the makings of a superstar with the skill of Alex Ovechkin—but we will never know this.

As for now, I will stop typing, because there's not a thing to be said that can do this kid any justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and:

Остальные в мире Alexei Cherepanov. Мы никогда не будем забывать вас.