STATEN ISLAND’S KALIYEV TAKEN IN SECOND ROUND OF NHL DRAFT
By Warren Kozireski–
After moving to Staten Island with his family at two years of age, Uzbekistan born Arthur Kaliyev fulfilled one dream in Vancouver this weekend—to be selected in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings 33rd overall.
“It was unreal and a great and special moment,” Kaliyev said. “I’m really proud to be a member of the LA Kings.”
The soon-to-be 18-year old (next week) left New York at the age of 13 to play for the Little Caesars and Compuware programs for three seasons prior to joining the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League where a 2018 league championship is already on his resume.
He scored 82 goals over a combined 135 games in two years with Hamilton. Add a career-best 51 assists this past season and he was fourth in the league with 51 goals and second with 20 on the power play and offense is clearly not the issue.
The only knocks on the 6’2”, 190 lb. right wing is his skating and his defensive zone work.
“I think I’ve been playing confident and playing with a great team; I think it was a great organization to play my juniors.
“It’s one thing to get drafted, but now I’ll try to show myself what I’m made of.”
(Photo by Koz)
