Just over a week ago, Yegor Sharangovich made Belarusian history by scoring the most goals ever as a Belarusian in a single season. His 30th goal of the season—scored against the Edmonton Oilers—elevated him past Mikhail Grabovski‘s record of 29 goals, set back in 2010–11.
Now, with his goal against the Arizona Coyotes, Sharangovich has sole possession of the most points in a single season by a Belarusian, passing Grabovski’s mark set in the same 2010–11 season.
New records for Sharangovich
To surpass Grabovski’s records not just once but twice in the same season within a matter of days is truly remarkable. The two players had similar outputs as Grabovski had a statline of 29 goals and 29 assists in 81 games, whereas Sharangovich’s record-setting goal sees him posting 31 goals and 28 assists in 80 games.
Sharangovich’s bounceback season with the Flames has been a great story all season long and he’s made himself a much more valuable player than he was with the New Jersey Devils. Whether he fits into the Flames’ vision of their future or is flipped for a haul at next year’s trade deadline remains to be known, but suffice to say his first audition with the Flames has been a smashing success.
The best of Belarus
Sharangovich will have his name etched into Belarus’ hockey history with his 2023–24 campaign. No one has come particularly close to Grabovski’s record as Sharangovich has basically been the next successful Belarusian NHLer since Grabovski.
Aliaksei Protas of the Washington Capitals is the next up-and-comer hailing from Belarus and his 2023–24 campaign currently nets out to six goals and 23 assists for 29 points in 76 appearances. He still has a long way to go to catch Sharangovich.
As for the new record-setter, Sharangovich will likely top out with the most goals and points. The Belarusian record for most assists in a season belongs to Vladimir Tsyplakov, who set the country’s record with 34 assists back in 1997–98 with the Los Angeles Kings. Barring a miracle where Sharangovich nets seven assists in Calgary’s final two games, the assist record will remain out of reach, at least for 2023–24.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
