Alexei Marchenko Profile

Skating

8
Stickhandling

7
Defensive play

8
Scoring

6
Hockey sense

8
Size

7

Grade: 7C

History

2008-09: Marchenko started playing intensively for Russia 92 national team and took part in all the team’s tournaments abroad, including the Challenge Cup in Canada in which he gave three assists in five games. In 2007-08 he even played with team Russia 91. He also skated for CSKA junior farm team in the Russian first league.

2009-10: during this season Marchenko became the #1 defenseman for team Russia 92, constantly playing first line hockey in all the tournaments. He played very well both in the Ivan Hlinka tournament and in the World Junior Hockey Challenge in Canada, in which he had not penalty whistled against and showcased an excellent play both offensively and defensively. He was a key member of CSKA junior team in the newly founded MHL, serving as league’s face at the start of the season. He was thought to be the #1 defenseman at the U18s, but an injury forced him to stay at home.

Talent Analysis

Alexei Marchenko is a very good two way defenseman who can be effective at both ends of the ice. He plays an aggressive style back in the zone, but without being unnecessarily dirty. One of his top features is his ability in avoiding PIMs. He is also an excellent team player and listens to the coach’s assigned tasks. Marchenko has a very good technique and puck handling, as well as a very good skating, both forward and backwards. His passing game is well above the average too. His downside as offensive player is that he doesn’t have a great shot and he has to improve in this area. He also needs to bulk up and fill his frame for the more demanding North American game. He has a bright future in front of him.

Future

Even if he isn’t one of the top ranked players for the draft, Marchenko can end up as one of the best defensemen of the 2010 selections. Since he missed the U18s he was probably underscouted and thus he won’t be a top pick, but he surely has a very high ceiling due to his very good two way play. He can become a reliable defenseman with a knack for offensive play, a player that can be effective in any situation and with both special teams.

Marchenko Watch

September 28, 2010
Alexei Marchenko was named MHL's top player of the week
October 5, 2010
Marchenko named MHL defenseman of the month for September