Shafranov named assistant coach

From a Komets press release:

Former Komet great Konstantin Shafranov is returning to the Komets as a specialty coach and will work alongside head coach Gary Graham.  Shafranov began his lengthy pro career in 1991 with Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk of the Russian elite league when he posted 24 goals and 45 points in 40 games at the age of 23.  Shafranov was the leading scorer for Torpedo the following two seasons.  Following a successful stint in his native land Shafranov made his first appearance with the Komets in 1995-96 leading the Komets with 46 goals and earning the IHL's Rookie of the Year Award.  Shafranov was subsequently selected by St. Louis in round 9 of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.  The Kazakhstan native appeared in parts of six seasons with the Komets overall during his career, finishing in 2009-10 when he posted 19 goals and 57 points in 58 games.  Shafranov completed his career with his native Kazakhstan team in the 2010 World Championships.

Shafranov will assist Coach Graham at practices and will mainly work with the forwards.  Shafranov will not assist Graham on the bench during games but will observe Komet games as time permits.  "Konstantin Shafranov is one of the most accomplished Komets of all time," said Komet general manager David Franke.  "He has played at every level of hockey in North America and in the top Russian league KHL, Olympics and World Championship games.  His knowledge of the game, experience and skill set will be invaluable to our players."

Shafranov will be introduced to the team Tuesday at practice at Canlan Ice Arena.