Ivan Nikolayevich Miroshnichenko (Russian: Иван Николаевич Мирошниченко; born 4 February 2004) is a Russian professional ice hockeyforward who currently plays for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect under contract with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Miroshnichenko was drafted 20th overall by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.[1][2] On December 20, 2023, Miroshnichenko set a league record in his NHL debut as the longest surname on an NHL jersey at 14 characters long, surpassing Jamie Langenbrunner and John Vanbiesbrouck. Though this ties John Brackenborough for the longest surname for an NHL player, Brackenborough played prior to the league's adoption of surnames on jerseys.[3]
Playing career
Miroshnichenko played as a youth through the junior ranks within the HC Vityaz organization. On 27 December 2020, he moved from within Vityaz to fellow Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) club, Avangard Omsk.[4]
During the 2021–22 season while in the VHL with affiliate Omskie Krylia, on 28 February 2022, Miroshnichenko signed a contract extension with Avangard that would have kept him playing in Russia until 2024.[5] In March 2022, Miroshnichenko was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, which prematurely ended his season in the VHL.[6] After receiving treatment in Germany, the cancer went into full remission. Three months after his diagnosis, Miroshnichenko resumed skating in preparation for the next season.[7]
On 1 May 2023, Miroshnichenko left the KHL and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals. On December 20, 2023, he made his NHL debut with the Capitals.[8]
