Rangers top prospect dies at 19.

[Forkboy]

Cherepanov dies during game in Russia

Alexei Cherepanov, the New York Rangers' first pick (No. 17) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, has died after suffering an apparent heart attack Monday during a game with Avangard Omsk, his club in the Kontinental Hockey League.

The 19-year-old Cherepanov had 8 goals and 13 points in 15 games this season, his third with Omsk.

Cherepanov had scored the game's first goal in what ended as a 5-4 loss for Omsk against Vityav Chekhov.

"We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei," said Rangers General Manager Glen Sather. "On behalf of the New York Rangers organization, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Alexei was an intelligent, energetic young man, with tremendous talent and an extremely bright future."

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=386386

[joeybee12]

1. Fuck...only 19...all I gotta say is make the most of it, people...

...make the most of it.

[nyy1998]

2. RIP Alexi

I was really excited the Ranger drafted him and I was hoping he'd be the Rangers answer to Melkin. But what a sad day. My condolences go out to the Cherepanov family.