Alexey ZHITNIK

Aleksey Zhitnik began his hockey career in 1989 with Sokil Kyiv, playing there until 1991. He then played one season with CSKA Moskva, before being drafted by the NHL Los Angeles Kings. Zhitnik played with the Kings from 1992-95, before playing ten seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. From 2004-2005, Zhitnik played one season with Ak Bars Kazan, but then returned to the NHL and played with the New York Islanders (2005-07), Philadelphia Flyers (2007) and Atlanta Thrashers (2007-08). In 2008 Zhitnik began playing with Dynamo Moskva. Internationally, besides his two Olympic medals, Zhitnik won a bronze at the 1996 World Cup and played for Russia at the 1992, 1994, 1996 and 2000 World Championships teams, being named best defenseman at the 1996 Worlds.