Islamov tipped for success with Capitals

Edinburgh Capitals’ head coach Dmitri Khristich believes forward Alexander Islamov will be a big success in the Elite League.

The 30-year-old is the latest player to join the Murrayfield club having gained plenty of experience in the KHL and VHL in Russia.

Khristich will hand him the chance to play a major part as the Capitals aim for the play-offs in the upcoming campaign.

“Alexander is a big guy and he’ll be a major presence on the ice for us,” said Khristich.

“He comes from the VHL, where he’s been strong including captaining a team, and has KHL experience.

“He’s the type of player who is going to have all kinds of opportunities to have a big influence on our team next season.”

Islamov is making his first move overseas and he admits he’s looking forward to sampling life in the Elite League with the Capitals.

“This is my first season abroad, so I feel really excited,” he said. “I don’t know a lot about the EIHL, but I have been researching it on the internet recently.

“It looks like it’s a good league with skilled players and a good hockey atmosphere in the stands. I’m really looking forward to getting over to Edinburgh and getting started.”