Miroshnichenko Scores, Puts On Show After Return From Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Washington Capitals prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko is back in action for the MHL’s Omskie Yasterby, and he made his mark in just his second game back following recovery and remission from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The goal was strangely reminiscent of Alex Ovechkin’s 787th career goal that moved him past Gordie Howe for the most goals with one franchise in NHL history. Miroshnichenko got open in the left circle and fired home a booming one-timer to make it a 1-1 hockey game between the Hawks and Mamonty Yugry.

Here’s the snipe:

THAT'S GOTTA FEEL GOOD 🥰
🚨 Ivan Miroshnichenko #OYA #ALLCAPS
1-1 #MHL pic.twitter.com/J1HNNVMUSx

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) November 7, 2022

He also added an assist and had the shootout winner.

Doctors cleared Miroshnichenko to return to game action on Sunday, when he made his return and logged 15:11 minutes in his first game back against Mamonty Yugry.

Miroshnichenko is starting with the MHL’s Omskie Yasterby. The team is the major-junior affiliate of the KHL’s Avangard Omsk. Miroshnichenko has a KHL deal with Omsk through 2024.

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The 18-year-old has been in remission since June following treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in March. Miroshnichenko underwent chemotherapy, and though he was pegged as a top-5 talent, his draft stock went down due to the diagnosis. Still, Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney interviewed and kept in touch with the Russian. And, after consoling with the medical team, Washington chose to take him 20th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

“I remember seeing him in the U18 World Championships in Germany; he was there to do another round of chemo,” Mahoney said. “He had no hair, his blue jeans looked like they were just sort of hanging on his hips. Didn’t look good at all, and I talked to him there… he’s a really strong character. He went through an awful lot. But I think it speaks volumes of his character and the type of person he is.”

Miroshnichenko is a huge asset on offense equipped with a wicked shot, crafty playmaking ability and great skating. He can get to the high-danger areas, take good care of the puck and use his size and speed to his advantage. The 6-1, 185-pound winger is also a proven leader.

He could very well end up being the steal of the draft, and Ovechkin and the team are excited to have him on board.

“Great pick,” Ovechkin said. “He’s one of the young players who can be a superstar.”