Bruins prospect Khokhlachev takes puck to the head

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Bruins fans got a scare on Thursday night watching Subway Super Series between the Russia junior national team and Canadas CHL players when Bs prospect Alex Khokhlachev was hit in the face with a slap shot. Khokhlachev had flopped onto his belly to block a shot from the point and instead caught the screaming puck on the side of his head before covering his head in obvious pain.

CBC rink side reporter Elliotte Friedman had indicated early reports were that Koko was going to be okay, but it was a scary scene for an organization thats had to deal with far too many head injuries. Its an interesting time in Canada for Khokhlachev as the Windsor Spitfireshis former OHL junior teamwas expected to approach the Russian forward about returning to junior hockey.

Khokhlachev has been playing for the KHL Moscow Spartak team his father is managing in Russia, but the 19-year-old has been saddled with bottom-six duty that doesnt favor his speed and skill set. Khokhlachev said he didnt know and didnt want to talk yet when approached by the Windsor Star about a potential return to the Spitfires. Its clearly something the Bruins organization wouldnt mind seeing. They want their 2011 second round pick to develop his game by playing plenty of minutes in different situations, and hes not getting that in Russia. In 19 games Khokhlachev has a goal and two points along with a minus-5 rating, and has weathered a tough adjustment against bigger, stronger, faster and smarter opponents.

Were not a really good team this year and Im not scoring goals, but the experience is good for me, Khokhlachev said to the Star. Its tough to lose a lot and not score goals, but its fine. I come every day to rink and work hard and it will be good.

It sounds like Khokhlachev is going to be okay, and thats great news. It remains to be seen where hell be playing for the rest of the season once he recovers from taking that puck to the face.

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