The Trail Smoke Eaters have announced the commitment of defenceman Alexander Andriyashev for the upcoming BCHL season.
The five-foot-11, 187-pound, 20-year-old Moscow native is a left-shot defenceman who developed through the CSKA Moskva hockey system and brings a strong foundation of skill, hockey IQ and international experience to the Smoke Eaters’ blue line.
Andriyashev joins the Smoke Eaters after spending the 2025-26 season in the Molodezhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga (MHL) with AKM Tula, where he recorded five goals and 28 assists in 54 games. Andriyashev developed through the Mikhailov Academy/CSKA Moskva system, one of Russia’s premier development programs.
“Alexander is a complete defenceman who brings a well-rounded game to our blue line,” said Smoke Eaters general manager and head coach Eric Thurston.
“He’s an excellent skater who moves the puck exceptionally well, competes hard, and plays with strength in the defensive zone. At the same time, he has the skill set and hockey sense to create offence and impact the game at both ends of the ice. We’re extremely excited to welcome Alexander to Trail and look forward to what he’ll bring to our lineup this season.”
While a number of Canadian-born players of Russian descent have played for the Smoke Eaters since the team joined the BCHL in 1995, it’s believed Andriyashev will be the first Russian-born player ever to suit up for them.
