(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced Tuesday, in an Active Life Chiropractic roster adjustment, Russian forward Timofei Khokhlachev has signed with the Rush for the 2026-27 season.
Khokhlachev (pronounced COKE-la-chev), 24, completed his first professional season last year with CSK VVS Samara in the VHL, Russia’s second-highest hockey league.
“I am super excited for the opportunity to play for the Rapid City Rush this upcoming season,” said Khokhlachev. “I’m really thankful to represent this logo as I’ve heard nothing but the best things about the organization. Looking forward to winning many games at The Monument and celebrating them with our fans!”
The native of Moscow, Russia brings significant experience playing in North America, having spent ten prior seasons in either the United States or Canada, including his entire junior and collegiate careers in the U.S.
Khokhlachev, who brings plenty of size at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, attended American International College for three years and served as alternate captain in the 2024-25 season. He spent the majority of his junior hockey career with the North American Hockey League’s Shreveport Mudbugs.
“Timofei is a very big man on the ice, standing at 6-foot-4 and playing in the middle,” said Dave Smith, Rush Head Coach and General Manager. “He’s very strong, skates really well, and goes 100 miles per hour every single shift. He has good skills and can trip the puck. We expect him to be excellent on the penalty kill. With his size, skating, and motor, he has tremendous upside.”
Khokhlachev comes from a hockey family. Timofei’s older brother, Alexander, played nine NHL games with the Boston Bruins and has spent over a decade in the KHL, Russia’s top league.
The Rush have announced the following player signings:
Forwards (11): Ryan Wagner, Logan Nelson, Rasmus Ekström, Cole Tymkin, Kenny Belanger Jr., Seth Fyten, Ryan Mahshie, Deagan McMillan, Alec Butcher, Will Portokalis, Timofei Khokhlachev
Defensemen (4): Eric Parker, Jake Ratzlaff, Andrew Noel, Ben Wozney
2026-27 Rapid City Rush season tickets, mini plans, and group experiences are on sale now! You can score the best deals on tickets and take advantage of exclusive perks, including season ticket holder-only events and discounts at the team store. Call the Rush office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com to learn more and secure your seats today.
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