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Club 1974:
SKA Leningrad
 
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Alexander Sapelkin
# 27, Team USSR 1974
Club: SKA Leningrad
Position: D Shoots:
NA
Height: NA Weight: NA
Born: 2/24/1947 in Balashikha, USSR
Alexander Sapelkin was one of the most reliable and technically savvy elite defensemen in the Soviet hockey league of the 1970s. Although, Sapelkin was mostly known for his outstanding defensive skills, he had an accurate and powerful slapshot and managed to become a member of the Fetisov's club for his scoring achievements.
Sapelkin grew up in a small suburban town Balashikha located between Moscow and Voskresensk. In 1966, 19-year old Sapelkin was included to the roster of the Khimik Voskresensk club. Unlike most of the Soviet teams, the Khimik was an elite club famous for its excellent defensive play style. Throughout his hockey player career, Sapelkin became one of the best players of the Voskresensk organization of all time. He played for the Khimik team in 1962-1972 and 1975-1980.
The 1974 Summit Series was one of the rare occasions when Sapelkin was invited to the Team USSR training camp. Due to a highly competitive Series environment, Team USSR 1974 coaches preferred to stay with internationally experienced blueliners rather than promising prospects. Alexander Sapelkin saw no action in the Series.
Although Sapelkin's exposure to the national team was rather limited, he was a highly ranked steady defenseman in the 1970s Russian elite league. Many top teams were offering him to play behind their blue line. In 1972-1975, Sapelkin had a three-season long break from his career team and played for the Spartak Moscow, SKA Leningrad and Krylya Sovetov Moscow.
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Career Statistics
| Competitions |
Years |
GP |
G |
| USSR League |
1966-75 |
535 |
52 |
| Team USSR |
1974 |
2 |
0 |
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CAREER HIGHLIGTS:
- USSR Elite League Clubs: Khimik, Spartak Moscow, SKA Leningrad
PERFORMANCE IN THE 1974 SUMMIT
Statistics
| GP |
Goals |
Assists |
Points |
PIM |
| 1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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