Ignat Zemchenko (Ukrainian: Іґнат Земченко, born April 24, 1992) is a Ukrainian-Russian professional ice hockey player currently playing with HC Yugra in the Supreme Hockey League (VHL). He was selected by Severstal Cherepovets 10th overall in the 2009 KHL Junior Draft, and made his KHL debut in the 2009–10 KHL season. He played for Russia in the 2012 IIHF World U20 Championship. Ignat Zemchenko is the son of Serhiy Zemchenko, a former Ukrainian professional ice hockey player known for his time with Sokil Kyiv.

Ignat Zemchenko
Born (1992-04-24) April 24, 1992 (age 32)
Kyiv, Ukraine[1]
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb)
Position Forward
Shoots Left
VHL team
Former teams
HC Yugra
Severstal Cherepovets
Metallurg Novokuznetsk
HC Sibir Novosibirsk
HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
Playing career 2010–present
Medal record
Ice hockey
Representing Russia Russia
World Junior A Challenge
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Summerside
Representing  Russia
World Junior Championships
Silver medal – second place 2012 Canada

Playing career

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Zemchenko began playing hockey in his birthplace Kyiv, Ukraine.[2] Later on his father, Serhiy, left the country to coach hockey in Spain for seven years, causing the family to relocate; and where Ignat would continue to learn the game.[2] In 2004 his father again relocated, this time to coach PHC Krylya Sovetov based in Moscow. Ignat too would join the Krylya Sovetov hockey system.[3]

In the 2011-12 KHL season, Zemchenko's father, Serhiy, would act as coach of Almaz Cherepovets.

International play

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While both his father Serhiy and older brother Ihor have played internationally for Ukraine, Ignat chose to represent Russia instead, stating that while the option existed, he had "no desire to play on the Ukrainian team" because the career opportunity was greater in Russia.[2] Zemchenko began playing for Russia internationally in the Under-16 4 Nations Tournament.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Severstal Team roster profiles". Severstal Cherepovets. 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
  2. ^ a b c "Ignat Zemchenko: I want to play in the MHL". Archived from the original on June 27, 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Ignat Zemchenko - 10th on the NBA Draft CHL".[permanent dead link]
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