Team Russia's Kokarev replaced on Olympic roster with Svitov

There was a chance Dynamo Moscow's Denis Kokarev would still be able to participated at the Sochi Olympics with Team Russia last week, unfortunately he will not. After a leg injury sidelined him during a game against CSKA Moscow, he has been replaced by Alexander Svitov of Ak Bars Kazan.

Team Russia's head coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov explained the decision to include Svitov to the Russian Hockey Federation website:

"Initially Alexander Svitov was in the extended roster. We picked him because he is an experienced player, a world champion, and may play well in the defense and at the face-offs. Besides, Alexander is quite a powerful and big player." via Rsport

Svitov spent three seasons in the NHL between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets.