BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University defenseman Ruslan Pedan signed a two-year contract with HC Sochi of the Kontinental Hockey League, foregoing his final year of collegiate eligibility. The Moscow, Russia native will stay home and begin his professional hockey career.

“Ruslan made an big impact on our team as a freshman and has been a consistent defensman for us since,” said BSU Head Coach Tom Serratore. “He is a big, physical player who logged a lot of minutes for us the past three seasons. He will leave a hole on our blueline, but that also provides an opportunity for another player to step in, gain experience and play a more significant role for us in 2016-17.”

Pedan appeared in all 39 games for the Beavers in 2015-16, marking the third consecutive season he has seen action in every one of BSU’s games. He registered nine points (3g-6a) and led the team in plus/minus rating for the second straight season (+12). He matched a career-high two goals Jan. 15, leading BSU to a 5-0 victory over Arizona State University and BSU was a perfect 6-0-0 when he recorded an assist. Pedan ranked second on the team with 58 blocked shots, was second among BSU blueliners with 64 shots on goal and led the team with 46 penalty-minutes.

Pedan wrapped up his sophomore campaign with 10 points (3g-7a) and posted a +11 plus/minus rating to tie for the team’s lead.

As a freshman in 2013-14, Pedan earned WCHA All-Rookie Team honors after collecting a career-best 13 points (3g-10a) in 38 games.

Pedan accumulated 32 career points (9g-23a) in three seasons and 115 games in the Green and White.

In addition, Pedan was a two-time member of the WCHA All-Academic Team and earned honors as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete in 2015-16.

Bemidji State opens its 2016-17 season Oct. 7-8 when it hosts Bowling Green State University at Sanford Center.

HC Sochi finished the 2015-16 KHL season fourth in the Western Conference (30-16-14) but was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by Minsk Dynamo.

Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

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