Washington Capitals 2018 first-round pick, Alex Alexeyev, became the only prospect in the organization to medal at the 2019 World Junior Championship, Saturday.
Alexeyev’s Team Russia defeated Switzerland 5-2, earning bronze in the annual tourney showcasing the world’s best under-20-year-old players. Later that night, Finland defeated the United States 3-2 to win gold.
Game highlights
Alexeyev had two goals (1, 2) and four assists in seven World Junior Championship games for Russia. He tied for second in points among all WJC defensemen in his final year of eligibility.
After the game concluded, Russia posted on the ice for a team photo. Alexeyev, wearing number 4, is on the second row all the way to the right.
Photo: Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images
Inside the Team Russia locker room, Alexeyev posed with the IIHF third-place trophy along with his new bronze medal.
“Thanks everyone, we’re the best, congratulations on the victory,” Alexeyev wrote in his Instagram Story, as translated by RMNB’s Graham Dumas.
Alexeyev also gave a shoutout to friend and fellow defenseman Dmitri Samorukov of the Edmonton Oilers. “Four Years with This Beast,” he wrote.
In an Instagram post, Alexeyev added, “That’s was one of the best time of my hockey career. I wanna thank everyone in this team they became brothers to me. We are the best love everyone.”
The 31st overall pick of the 2018 Draft also posted an Instagram Live video where he showed off his new medal and had his teammates autograph his Team Russia jersey.
Alexeyev will now return to his WHL team, the Red Deer Rebels, where he has 31 points in 30 games this season.
