How is that for an introduction?
19-year-old Ukrainian goaltender Alexander Levshyn is off to a fantastic start with the Prince George Cougars, collecting a pair of wins against the Portland Winterhawks.
He tallied a 1.50 goals against average and a .942 save percentage, filling in for starter and San Jose Sharks prospect Josh Ravensbergen.
Speaking with Vista Radio, Levshyn said the sky is the limit for both of them to make an impact in the Cougar crease.
“Yeah, I hope we are a very good tandem and Josh is a very big guy so I can do a lot of studying of him, he is a great goalie and I look to take something from his game.”
“I am trying to be more chill and relaxed in the net, similar to Josh. I am trying to be everywhere and fast in the net and he is composed and competitive. I really like his style.”
Levshyn added his experience in the northern capital so far has been excellent.
“It’s been unreal fans, unreal rink as well as great staff and teammates. Everything has been unbelievable.”
Levshyn spent last season in the Junior A ranks with the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey league posting a .935 save percentage in 35 games.
As for making the adjustment to major junior, the 19-year-old has already noticed some subtle differences – however, in time, he believes that will only make him a stronger goalie.
“Here in the western league, everything is a little bit faster as well as stronger shots. But last year’s team, it was also playing on a small rink. That is going to help me with my preparation and its a very physical in Junior A.”
A few short years ago, Levshyn played Dynamo Muskova U16-U18 programs in Russia.
The 19-year-old is also no stranger to the international stage as he is the entrenched starting net minder for the Ukrainian national team, representing his country on five occasions split between the U18 and U20 programs.
At the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Division 1 Championships, Levshyn went 2-3 in the net recording a .900 save percentage along with a goals against average hovering around three.
During the same tournament a year later, Levshyn was among the top goaltenders posting a 4-1 record for Ukarine all while tallying a 4-1 record, a 1.99 goals against average and a .936 save percentage.
In January, the 19-year-old and his Ukranian teammates claimed the Division 1 Group B World Junior crown skating to a 7-2 victory over Japan.
Levshyn went a perfect 5-0 in that tournament.
This year, Ukraine has been promoted to the Division 1 Group A tournament.
Levshyn also played in the IIHF Men’s Division 1A World Championships consisting of teams from Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Poland and Romania.
He went 0-2 between the pipes.
Levshyn is committed to Clarkson University of the NCAA for the 2027-28 season.
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