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Star defenseman from Belarus clinches KHL's top player award

Exceptional performance by our goalkeeper in the opening fortnight of the season, with no challengers to his throne.

Top KHL Hockey Player Honors Awarded to Belarusian Athlete
Top KHL Hockey Player Honors Awarded to Belarusian Athlete

Star defenseman from Belarus clinches KHL's top player award

Torpedo's Star Goaltender, Ivan Kulbakov, Tops KHL Ranking

Ivan Kulbakov, the Belarusian goaltender currently playing for Nizhny Novgorod's Torpedo in the KHL, has made a strong start to the 2025/26 season. Kulbakov, who was born in Gomel, has been a key player for Torpedo, contributing significantly to their current leading position in the Western Conference table.

As of 2022, Kulbakov has been a valuable asset to Torpedo, playing in four out of five games since the start of the season. His consistent performance has been recognised in the recently unveiled player ranking for the KHL season, where he tops the list.

The ranking is determined by various statistical indicators, including the average number of saves per game and the average number of goals conceded per match. Kulbakov's impressive performance has earned him this top spot.

One of Kulbakov's standout moments this season was his shutout performance against Sochi, a game that ended 3:0 in favour of Torpedo. This was Kulbakov's first shutout of the season and the sixth of his career.

Kulbakov's contract with Torpedo runs until May 31, 2026, ensuring that fans can look forward to more of his stellar performances in the coming months. Kulbakov feels at home playing for Torpedo in Nizhny Novgorod, a sentiment that is reflected in his dedication and commitment to the team.

Before joining the KHL, Kulbakov played for various teams, including Belarusian teams, North American teams, and the VHL. He made his KHL debut with Sochi, and before playing for Torpedo, he had stints with HK MVD Balashikha and other minor league clubs in Russia.

Currently, Torpedo leads the Western Conference table with ten points, a testament to the team's strength and Kulbakov's significant contribution. As the season progresses, fans can expect to see more of Kulbakov's impressive performances between the pipes.

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