HKY: Simchuk named Player of the Tour
Ukrainian Simchuk notched three goals in four games
CALGARY – Mikhailo Simchuk has been named the Player of the Tour after the Ukrainian Men's U25 team played four games against Canada West squads over the past couple weeks.
With the conference welcoming the team for the Hockey Can't Stop Tour, CW thought it only right that the team be included in the conference's traditions and celebrations, like Player of the Week.
The resoundingly successful tour raised money for humanitarian and hockey causes in the war-torn country while giving the team a safe place to play and practice ahead of the World University Games in Lake Placid, NY.
The team also showed their brilliance and ability to play the game at an elite level. Leading the charge was Simchuk, who posted three goals, including two in the team's tour-ending 5-1 win at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
In front of more than 7,800 fans, Simchuk set up the offence in the Bisons' zone, before getting to the net to tuck away a puck that leaked through Manitoba's goalie.
The magical moment was punctuated by a Ukrainian song of celebration and cheers in both Ukrainian and English that echoed through the NHL arena, the soundtrack of togetherness as native Winnipeggers and Ukrainian refugees stood side-by-side in the packed lower bowl.
Simchuk's efforts got his team ahead 1-0 early in the first period.
The national team pressed on at full speed, scoring three more goals by the end of the second.
After the Bisons found the back of the net for their first early in the third, Simchuk was quick to snuff out any opposing momentum. He pounced on a loose puck in the defensive zone, headed up ice on an odd man rush, and made no mistake on a beautiful return pass from teammate Hlib Kryvoshapkin.
Simchuk's strong wrister from the top of the right circle at Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary earlier in the tour brought his goal total to three in four games.
His high hockey IQ and raw talent generated consistent scoring chances for his squad.
In addition to playing on the national team, the 20-year-old is a member of the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL. He made his professional hockey debut when he was just 16 with HC Biliy Bars in Ukraine. Playing for several pro teams in his home country, Mykhailo became a vice-champion in 2021 with his team, HC Sokil winning the championship title and the Ukrainian Cup in 2022.
He played for the National Teams of Ukraine in all age categories and became one of the best scorers of the 2021 IIHF WM20IB with four goals and nine assists.
Simchuk and the Ukraine U25 Team are now preparing for their first game at the 2023 FISU World University Games, which is slated for tomorrow against some now-familiar faces on the Canadian squad.
