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Vladimir DenisovBelarusian hockey player, defender
Date of Birth: 29.06.1984
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Early Career and Russian Super League
- American Hockey League and NHL
- Return to Minsk and KHL
- Ufa, Nizhny Novgorod, and Magnitogorsk
- International Career
- Achievements
Early Career and Russian Super League
Ruslan Salei's ice hockey career began in 2001 with HC Vitebsk in the Belarusian Extraleague. From 2003 to 2004, he played for Himik-SKA Novopolotsk before moving to Minsk's HC Keramin in 2004. In the 2006-2007 season, he competed in the Russian Super League with Lada Togliatti.
American Hockey League and NHL
In 2007, Salei joined the American Hockey League, spending the 2007-2008 season with the Lake Erie Monsters, the farm team for the Colorado Avalanche. The following year, he signed with the New York Rangers and played for their affiliate team, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Return to Minsk and KHL
After a brief stint with the Washington Capitals in 2009, Salei returned to Belarus and joined HC Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). In 2010-2011, he played for HC Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss NLA before returning to HC Dinamo Minsk in September 2011.
Ufa, Nizhny Novgorod, and Magnitogorsk
In 2013, Salei signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa before being traded to Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. He joined Traktor Chelyabinsk during the 2015-2016 season. Throughout his KHL career, he became known for his strong defensive play, ranking among the league's top players in both physicality and blocked shots.
International Career
Salei represented Belarus at the junior level from 2001 to 2002 and at the youth level from 2003 to 2004. Beginning in 2006, he became a regular member of the Belarusian national team, competing in numerous world championships and the 2010 Olympic tournament. He was named team captain in 2012 and made 120 appearances for his country, scoring seven goals and contributing 31 assists.
Achievements
2005: Belarusian Extraleague Silver Medalist2009: Spengler Cup Champion
2015: KHL Silver Medalist with Ak Bars Kazan
2016: KHL All-Star Game Participant
