Philadelphia Flyers
Ivan Provorov
2015 NHL Draft · Round 1 · 7th overall
Recruited to the Knights and coached by Alex Vasko.
Source: NBC PhiladelphiaPROVEN PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
FROM AAA TO THE NHL
Over 20 years of elite AAA hockey coaching, Alex Vasko has personally identified, recruited, and helped develop talented players who progressed to the NHL Draft, professional hockey, and NCAA programs. Each player's journey is unique, but the foundation begins with opportunity, dedication, and development.
20+ years
AAA level
NHL / NCAA
NHL Draft Alumni
Anaheim Ducks
Nikita Klepov
2026 NHL Draft · Round 1 · 15th overall
Recruited to the Knights; worked with Alex Vasko during his U-15 season.
Source: NHL.com
Pittsburgh Penguins
Daniel Sprong
2015 NHL Draft · Round 2 · 46th overall
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights alumnus.
Source: Knights
Tampa Bay Lightning
Oleg Kulebyakin
2026 NHL Draft · Round 2 · 52nd overall
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights alumnus.
Source: Knights
Colorado Avalanche
Denis Smirnov
2017 NHL Draft · Round 6 · 156th overall
Knights alumnus; coached and trained by Alex Vasko.
Source: Revolution Ice Centre
St. Louis Blues
CJ Yakimowicz
2014 NHL Draft · Round 6 · 172nd overall
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights alumnus; U.S. National Under-18 Team.
Source: Knights
Pittsburgh Penguins
Nikita Pavlychev
2015 NHL Draft · Round 7 · 197th overall
Knights alumnus; coached and trained by Alex Vasko.
Source: Revolution Ice Centre
San Jose Sharks
Alexander Karmanov
2026 NHL Draft · Round 7 · 201st overall
Played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights U-16 team.
Source: Sportsnet
Washington Capitals
Dmitri Zaitsev
2016 NHL Draft · Round 7 · 207th overall
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights alumnus.
Source: Knights
Nikita Klepov
Anaheim Ducks · 2026 NHL Draft · 15th overall
Alex Vasko first noticed Nikita at a Toronto spring tournament and saw a fit for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. Nikita joined the Knights for his U-15 season in 2023–24 and worked with Alex as part of his development journey. In June 2026, Anaheim selected him 15th overall in the NHL Draft.
Read the Sportsnet storyReporting: Sportsnet · Draft selection: Anaheim Ducks · NHL.com
Nikita Klepov | 2026 NHL Draft | Anaheim Ducks | 15th Overall · Video: NHL.com
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