(MACON, Ga.) – The Macon Mayhem, proud members of the SPHL, announced Tuesday that they are signing forward Artem Pugachev to a PTO.
Pugachev, 25, from Moskva, Russia, has been described as a speedy, two-way forward and will make his North American professional debut this weekend after four years of professional hockey in Russia. His five-game PTO will begin Friday night in Athens, and run through the Mayhem’s game in Knoxville on Thursday, November 5.
Since 2022-23, Pugachev has played in the VHL, the Russian feeder league for the KHL, similar to the AHL’s relationship to the NHL in North America. Last year was a career-best season for Pugachev, suiting up in 54 games for Izhstal Izhevsk and recording career highs in all categories with five goals and eight assists for 13 points.
Pugachev grew up playing for the Russian junior national team and the U18 program for CSKA Moskva, where he played alongside future NHLers such as Yaroslav Askarov, Alexander Nikishin, Vasily Podkolzin and Egor Chinakhov.
The Mayhem will travel to Athens on Friday, October 23 before hosting their Opening Night presented by Accurate Health Plans, October 24th, at 6pm ET vs the Birmingham Bulls at the Macon Coliseum. There will be a post-game skate with the team. Grab your tickets today by visiting maconmayhem.com.
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