Alexander Pechurskiy

Alexander Pechurskiy (born June 4, 1990 in Magnitogorsk, USSR) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing junior hockey for Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League. Pechurskiy was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 150 overall in the 5th round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Pechurskiy began his professional career with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, then of the Russian Superleague in 2007–08, playing in 26 games and posting a 2.07 goals against average. He played for Team Russia at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championships with a 3.06 GAA and a .8854 save percentage, while Russia earned a silver medal.

He began the 2009–10 season with Magnitogorsk, but after requesting a release, joined the Americans in the United States in December 2009.

On January 16, 2010 Pechurskiy signed an amateur try-out contract with the Penguins due to injuries to starter Marc-Andre Fleury and back-up Brent Johnson. That night he debuted in the NHL to back-up John Curry against the Vancouver Canucks at GM Place. At the time of his signing, Pechurskiy had a 4–1–1 record, with a 1.84 goals against average, a .936 save percentage, and two shutouts. After Curry allowed five goals against the Canucks, Pechurskiy entered in relief and became the first Russian goaltender to play for the Penguins. He played the final 35:31 of the game, making 12 saves on 13 shots, and earned third star of the game. This effort by Pechurskiy tallied him a 0.923 save percentage and a 1.69 goals against average. After being signed, Pechurskiy spoke with teammmates and media through translations by Ruslan Fedotenko, Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar.

Due to an error in the NHL Central Registry, his name has often been incorrectly spelled 'Pechurski,' as demonstrated by his jersey in his debut with the Penguins.