Alexander Semin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexander Semin
Semin with the Carolina Hurricanes in February 2013
Born	(1984-03-03) 3 March 1984 (age 41) Krasnoyarsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	212 lb (96 kg; 15 st 2 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Lada Togliatti Washington Capitals Khimik Moscow Oblast Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod Carolina Hurricanes Montreal Canadiens Metallurg Magnitogorsk HC Vityaz
National team	Russia
NHL Draft	13th overall, 2002 Washington Capitals
Playing career	2001–2022

Alexander Valeryevich Semin (born March 3, 1984) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player. He was a winger who played for many years. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and Montreal Canadiens. Later in his career, he played in Russia's top league, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), with his last team being HC Vityaz.

Playing Career

Starting His Hockey Journey

Alexander Semin started playing hockey in his hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia. He made his first professional appearance in Russia's second-tier league in 2001. After a good season, the Washington Capitals chose him in the first round of the 2002 NHL Draft. He was the 13th player picked overall.

Before joining the NHL, Semin played another season in Russia. He joined Lada Togliatti in the top Russian league. He scored 10 goals and 7 assists in 47 games.

Semin first played in the NHL during the 2003–04 season. He scored 10 goals and 12 assists in 52 games for the Capitals. After that, he also played a few games for the Portland Pirates in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Playing in the NHL

After a break to fulfill military duties in Russia, Semin returned to the NHL. He signed a two-year contract with the Capitals in 2006.

Time with the Washington Capitals

Semin celebrating with Alexander Ovechkin during a game in January 2007

Semin scored the Capitals' first goal of the 2006–07 season. In his very next game, he scored three goals, which is called a hat-trick. He even scored another hat-trick later that season. He often played alongside superstar Alexander Ovechkin. Semin became known as "The Other Alex" because of his great scoring. He finished that season with 38 goals and 73 points in 77 games.

The 2008–09 season was a strong one for Semin. He scored a career-high 79 points in just 62 games. He was one of the top scorers for the Capitals, along with Ovechkin and Nicklas Bäckström. In the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, he added 14 points in 14 games.

Semin played for Russia in the 2010 Winter Olympics. He continued to play for the Capitals until 2012. On April 5, 2012, he scored his 197th goal, becoming the fifth-highest goal scorer in Capitals history.

Moving to Carolina

Semin with the Hurricanes in October 2013

In July 2012, Semin signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. During a temporary break in the NHL season, he chose to play for his hometown team, Sokol Krasnoyarsk, for free. However, he soon moved to Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL.

When the NHL season started again, Semin joined the Hurricanes. On February 11, 2013, he scored his 200th career NHL goal. The Hurricanes were impressed and signed him to a five-year contract extension. However, in 2015, the Hurricanes decided to end his contract.

Short Time in Montreal

In July 2015, Semin signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens. But his time there was short. He was released by the team in December of that year.

Back to Russia

After leaving the Canadiens, Semin returned to play in Russia. He signed with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL. His team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, won the Gagarin Cup (the KHL championship) in 2016. He was even recognized for scoring some of the most beautiful goals.

He continued to play in Russia for several more years. He played for Sokol Krasnoyarsk again and then for HC Vityaz in the KHL. Alexander Semin officially announced his retirement from professional hockey on May 18, 2022.

Life Off the Ice

Alexander Semin got married to his fiancée Alena in 2014. They have two sons. Their first son was born in 2015, and their second son, Danil, was born in 2017.

Career Highlights

Alexander Semin had a successful career, winning several awards and honors.

Semin at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Medal record
Representing Russia
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold	2012 Helsinki
Silver	2010 Germany
Gold	2008 Quebec City
Bronze	2005 Vienna

Images for kids

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  Semin with the Carolina Hurricanes in February 2013

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  Semin celebrating with Alexander Ovechkin during a game in January 2007

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  Semin with the Capitals in May 2011

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  Semin with the Hurricanes in October 2013

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  Semin at the 2010 Winter Olympics