Rodion Amriov may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on through a scholarship named in his honour at a Russian university.
The first ever Rodion Amirov Scholarship was awarded to the winner of international and all-Russian competitions, the Eurasian Martial Arts Games, and second category karate judge Ruden Galiakbarov.
Ruslan Amirov, Rodion’s father, presented the scholarship. 1/2 #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/1R0uj78Mlw
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) October 25, 2023
The scholarship was established by Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after Akmola (BSPU) in the wake of his untimely death and will be annually awarded to the student who achieved outstanding success in sports. Amirov was a student at the school where he studied at the Institute of Physical Culture and Human Health during his playing career and was a graduate of Akmola College.
The inaugural winner of the scholarship was Ruden Galiakbarov for achievements in international and All-Russian competitions, the Eurasian Martial Arts Games, and a second-category judge in karate. The scholarship was presented to him by Amirov’s father, Ruslan.
He said the following during the ceremony, translated into English:
“When they called me and asked me to come, I initially refused, it was too hard for me right now. But then I thought and decided that everything that happened in such a short and bright life of my son was still his achievements: labour, perseverance, discipline, and honesty in relation to the work that he loved. Everything that is done by each of us, including in this institution, is very important, responsible and valuable. I wish you, dear friends, that everything works out for you, all the best to you!”
Rodion Amirov was originally drafted 15th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft with a pick acquired in a trade that sent Kasperi Kapanen to the Penguins. He spent the proceeding two seasons split between Salavat Yulaev Ufa and Toros Neftekamask where played in 70 career KHL games and recorded 18 points (10 goals and eight assists) in that span. He also secured himself an entry-level contract in 2021 and even got to spend time training with the Marlies during the final month of the COVID-shortened campaign.
In February 2022, former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas announced that Amirov was diagnosed with a brain tumour from symptoms developed from an injury suffered early in the 2021-22 season. He underwent extensive treatment and chemotherapy in an attempt to work towards a full recovery and got to spend some time in Toronto at the start of the 2022-23 season where he received a loud applause during their home opener. Amirov ultimately did not play that year as he spent that time continuing to battle the brain tumour before passing away from the disease on August 14, 2023. He was 21.
Stats from Elite Prospects.
