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University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Hockey's Yevenko Signs ATO With Adirondack Flames
March 21, 2015 | Hockey
Glens Falls, N.Y. - UMass hockey senior defenseman Oleg Yevenko has signed an Amateur Try Out agreement with the Adirondack Flames of the American Hockey League, the organization announced on Saturday. Yevenko, who recently completed his four-year career with the Minutemen, is the 14th UMass player to sign his first professional contract in the past three years.
"I'd like to thank all of the UMass hockey staff I've worked with in my four years in Amherst and all of my teammates," said Yevenko. "It was truly a blast and I will miss UMass!"
"While I'm so excited for Oleg to start his pro career, it's hard not to reflect on his career at and commitment to UMass Hockey, as his 132 career games, 182 blocked shots, and assistant captaincy exemplify," said head coach John Micheletto. "He's worked hard during his four years here to improve his individual skills and overall game, and is now well-positioned to show what he can do at the professional level. The Calgary organization is getting a tremendous person in Oleg Yevenko."
Yevenko was a mainstay on the blueline for the Minutemen over the past four seasons, appearing in 132 career games and totaling 10 points on one goal and nine assists with 182 blocks. Prior to the start of his senior campaign, Yevenko was selected as one of the squad's assistant captains and went on to post career highs in points (5), games played (36) and blocks (81) in 2014-15. His 81 blocks were a team high and currently rank first in Hockey East, ninth nationally.
In the summer of 2014, Yevenko faced top international competition at the IIHF World Championship, which took place in his hometown of Minsk, Belarus. He was the only player to participate in the tournament with any NCAA eligibility remaining and lined up against numerous stars from the NHL and KHL, including Evgeni Malkin. At the World Championship, Yevenko saw action in all eight of Team Belarus' contests, playing a total of 142:58 with a time on ice average of 17:52 per game. He logged two assists and was +3 with five shots, helping Belarus reach the quarterfinals with a record of 4-3 in the preliminary round.
Off the ice, Yevenko excelled in the classroom while at UMass and was a candidate for the 2015 Senior CLASS Award. A Dean's List student, Yevenko is a three-time Hockey East All-Academic Team member and 2013-14 Hockey East Academic All-Star. Last spring, he was recognized as one of two Hockey East Top Scholar-Athletes, having a perfect 4.0 GPA for the 2013-14 season. He was named UMass' Male Winter Scholar-Athlete in 2013-14, as well.
In addition to Yevenko, nine former Minutemen are currently active on AHL rosters: Conor Allen (Hartford), Rocco Carzo (Norfolk), Joel Hanley (Portland), Danny Hobbs (Binghamton), Mike Kostka (Hartford), Brandon Montour (Norfolk), Conor Sheary (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), Frank Vatrano (Providence), Casey Wellman (Hershey).