Rangers draft pick Alexei Cherepanov dies after collision in KHL

NEW YORK, NY – Various media outlets have reported this evening that New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov died Monday following an on ice collision during a match in the Kontinental Hockey League.  
Both players were skating for Omsk in the KHL in a contest with Checkov Vityaz.   During a line change it is reported that Cherepanov and Jagr collided and Cherepanov returned to the bench.   He was sitting on the bench next to Jaromir Jagr when he fell backwards and passed out. 
Shortly after, Cherepanov collapsed with reports stating “his heart stopped”. Cherepanov died a short time later.
 
Cherepanov, 19, was the Rangers top pick in the 2007 NHL Entry draft.
 
Pro Hockey News will stay on top of this story and provide more details as they become available.