In 2017, Russian-born goaltending gymnast Ivan Prosvetov cartwheeled and grinned his way across the globe to North America.



Standing at a lanky 6 feet 5 and just 178 pounds, Prosvetov quickly made a name for himself in North America — first with the NAHL’s Minnesota Magicians, then with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms and then again with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. He would somersault his way to center ice after a win, and cartwheel in the crease to wave at the fans. He donned a Gerry Cheevers mask in Youngstown, then kept the iconic stitching design in his number when he switched to a more team-themed mask with Saginaw the following year.



Then, of course, there was the puck he flipped into the stands, earning himself a five-game suspension after launching the puck from play and over the glass in response to a questionable goal by his opponents.



This season, it’s possible he’ll challenge for a spot in Arizona’s pro depth...