ECHL Roster Transactions: Bloomington Bison | 12/04/2024

Andrei Bakanov, born on May 28, 2002, in Moscow, Russia, has steadily made a name for himself in the world of professional ice hockey. Standing tall at 6’3″ and weighing 214 lbs, Bakanov is known for his powerful shot and strong positioning on the ice.

Recent Acquisition

In a significant move today, Andrei Bakanov was acquired by the Bloomington Bison in the ECHL. This acquisition is expected to bolster the Bison’s offensive lineup, bringing in Bakanov’s experience and scoring ability.

Early Career and Development

Bakanov’s early career saw him playing for the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2019-2020 season. In 53 games, he scored seven goals and provided 10 assists, totaling 17 points. His performance in the OHL highlighted his potential and set the stage for his future endeavors.

He then moved to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2020-2021 season. Here, he played 45 games, scoring eight goals and assisting on 12 others, accumulating 20 points. This period was crucial for his development, allowing him to hone his skills against competitive peers.

Professional Career

Bakanov’s professional career includes stints in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with teams like Kunlun Red Star and HK Sochi. His transition to the professional leagues was marked by his ability to adapt and perform at higher levels of competition.

Most recently, Bakanov played for the Worcester Railers in the ECHL during the 2023-2024 season. Over 50 games, he scored 12 goals and made 15 assists, bringing his total points to 27.

Impact of Andrei Bakanov on the Bloomington Bison

Overall, the Bison have shown resilience and strong special teams play, particularly on the power play. The addition of Andrei Bakanov is expected to further strengthen their lineup. His powerful shot and strong positioning will be valuable assets, potentially improving their offensive output and providing more scoring opportunities.