Outpoll | Russia 25 team announces expanded roster for Channel One Cup 2025.

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Russia 25 team announces expanded roster for Channel One Cup 2025.

Russia 25 team announces expanded roster for Channel One Cup 2025.

1 day ago7 min read3 comments

Alright hockey fans, let's break down this roster drop like it's the final seconds of a power play. The Russia 25 squad just unveiled its expanded list for the Channel One Cup, set to light up Novosibirsk from December 11 to 14, and honestly, it’s giving major 'we’re not messing around' energy.Think of it as the ultimate fantasy draft, but with way higher stakes and a whole lot more national pride on the line. Coach Roman Rotenberg, the man calling the shots, has essentially thrown a massive net over the KHL, pulling in talent from a whopping 15 different clubs.The average age? A cool 26 years young. This isn't just a team; it's a statement—a blend of seasoned vets who've seen it all and hungry young guns ready to prove they belong on the big stage.Let's start between the pipes, because what's a team without a brick wall in goal? We're looking at a serious depth chart here with names like Vladimir Galkin from Avtomobilist, who’s been a human highlight reel this season, and Ilya Nabokov from Metallurg Mg, a kid with reflexes so fast they might just break the space-time continuum. Then you've got the Dynamo Moscow duo of Maxim Motorygin and Vladislav Podyapolsky, basically giving the team options for days.It’s like having a whole fleet of goalies, each with their own unique superpower—some are lockdown artists in shootouts, others are pure acrobats on breakaways. Moving to the blue line, the defense is stacked with a mix of pure muscle and slick puck-movers.You’ve got the Avangard contingent with Mikhail Gulyayev, a guy whose skating is so smooth it should be illegal, and Semyon Chistyakov, who plays with the kind of edge that makes forwards think twice before cutting to the net. Then there’s the CSKA pair of Nikita Nesterov and Dmitri Samorukov—Nesterov brings that veteran savvy, the kind of guy who’s been in every big game you can imagine, while Samorukov is all about that raw, physical presence.And let’s not forget Bogdan Konyushkov from Torpedo, a young defenseman whose vision and passing are already drawing comparisons to some of the greats. This isn't just a defensive corps; it's a multi-tool unit built to transition from shutdown mode to offensive threat in a heartbeat.Now, for the main event: the forwards. This is where the magic happens, folks.The CSKA crew is bringing the heat with Vitali Abramov, a speed demon who can turn a routine rush into a goal-scoring opportunity faster than you can say 'breakaway,' and Dmitri Buchelnikov, whose hands are so silky he could probably stickhandle in a phone booth. But the real storyline might be the SKA contingent, headlined by Mikhail Grigorenko and Nikita Gusev.Grigorenko is that versatile, do-it-all forward who can play up and down the lineup, a coach's dream, while Gusev—well, Gusev is pure artistry on ice, a playmaker with eyes in the back of his head and a knack for the spectacular. Then there's the Lokomotiv group with Alexander Radulov, the ageless wonder whose passion and skill are still off the charts, and Yegor Surin, a young power forward who plays like he’s got a rocket in his skates.Mix in the Dynamo Moscow trio of Nikita Gusev (yes, he’s listed twice, that’s how good he is), Maxim Dzhioshvili, and Artyom Ilyenko, and you’ve got a forward group that can beat you with speed, skill, or sheer will. This isn't just a collection of players; it's a symphony of talent, each line a different movement designed to overwhelm the opposition.So, what does it all mean for the Channel One Cup? This tournament is more than just a set of games; it's a crucial testing ground, a chance to see how these pieces fit together under the bright lights of international competition. For some players, it’s an audition for future World Championships or even the Olympics.For others, it’s about cementing their legacy. With an average age of 26, this roster is perfectly poised—old enough to have the poise and experience, young enough to have the legs and hunger.It’s a blend that could very well dominate not just in December, but for years to come. So mark your calendars, because when this team hits the ice in Novosibirsk, it’s going to be must-watch hockey.