Red Devils Sign British International Ross Venus to Replace Injured Zakharov

Bad news, good news. Unfortunately, our star import for the season, former KHLer Viktor Zakharov, was injured during the recent IIHF Division 1B tournament and has been ruled out for the NZIHL season.

The British international Ross Venus is joining the Red Devils to replace Zakharov. Ross has spent last 10 years with the Coventry Blaze of the Elite Ice Hockey League.

The 24-year-old 6-foot Solihull born forward has just enjoyed his most productive Elite League season with posting 8 goals, 16 assists in 58 season games, also scoring and adding 4 assists in 6 Challenge Cup games.

Venus’ most famous moment in a Coventry jersey came as he scored the game-winning goal to win the Elite League Playoff Championship in 2015.

In 2016, Ross has proudly represented Team Great Britain at the World Championship in Croatia, scoring his debut international goal. In each of the past two years, he has been named to the 28-man GB training camp squad.

Head Coach, Anatoly Khorozov, said: “It is unfortunate to lose players like Victor Zakharov, but there’s always a chance that could happen. Ross Venus is an exciting player and I am delighted he has accepted a last-minute call-up.”


Red Devils May 11, 2018  1228