Weekly Player Spotlight: Ruslan Gazizov

Ruslan Gazizov has been on a tear over the past week with his promotion to the first line and elevated ice time, scoring 11 points over his last three games.

The London Knights have sent two of their key forwards to Sweden for the World Juniors; Easton Cowan (CAN) & Kasper Halttunen (FIN). This results in some gaps in the lineup that need to be filled.

Ruslan Gazizov has filled this role, and more. 

Gazizov played on the first line with Denver Barkey and Jacob Julien this past weekend, and their chemistry was off the charts. Each of these players had astounding weekends production-wise, but Gazizov's performance lead the entire team.

He had a four assist game against the Spitfires last Thursday, and a five point performance against Owen Sound on Friday. 

He tallied 11 points throughout the three games this weekend. 

Gazizov has absolutely dominated with his elevated ice-time and opportunity to the "the" guy offensively. His passing and playmaking ability has been on full display, and he has made it very easy for Barkey and Julien to produce.

Against the Sudbury Wolves on Sunday afternoon, he scored a beautiful overtime winner to send his team into the holiday break with a win. 

He walked through first round pick Quentin Musty, before cutting to the middle and finishing five-hole. Gazizov's emotion was on full display after the goal, bringing out a "canoe-paddling" celebration.

This weekend also marked the one-year point since former Knight Abakar Kazbekov passed away. Gazizov — reportedly Kazbekov's best friend on the team — certainly stepped up to the plate, ensuring his team got the win in memory of Abakar. 

"You couldn't write that story any better than for Abakar's best friend to score the game winner for him" said Knights forward Max McCue after the game (via X/London Knights). 

This was not only a productive weekend for Gazizov, but an emotional one too.

Gazizov not only stepped up to the plate for his team, but for his best friend Abakar Kazbekov too.