Nikita Kashirsky

Nikita Kashirsky (born 25 January 1985) is a Russian former professional ice hockey forward.

Playing career
Kashirsky spent four seasons at Norwich University in the ECAC East before turning pro at the conclusion of his senior year with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays, scoring 18 points in 21 post-season games as a rookie as the Stingrays were crowned Kelly Cup Champions. He also had spells in the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, Manitoba Moose and Hershey Bears. He signed with the Gwinnett Gladiators on September 28, 2011.

On August 25, 2012, Kashirsky signed with HC Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League but was released from his contract a short time later. On December 27, 2013, Kashirsky returned to ECHL signing with Reading Royals, helping the franchise claim their first and his second Kelly Cup.

On August 6, 2013, Kashirsky left the Royals and returned abroad to the United Kingdom, signing a one-year contract as well as accepting an assistant coaching role within the Dundee Stars of the Elite Ice Hockey League. During the 2013–14 season, Kashirsky placed third in team scoring and helped the Stars claim the Gardner Conference Championship.

After a single season with the Stars, Kashirsky made a return to North America in agreeing to a one-year contract with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL on July 9, 2014. In the 2014–15 season, Kashirsky appeared in 64 games for the Thunder to record 39 points.

On August 4, 2015, Kashirsky signed a contract with fellow ECHL competitors, the Greenville Road Warriors (later renamed the Swamp Rabbits), as a free agent. In the 2015–16 season, Kashirsky added 2 assists in 5 games as an alternate captain before he was waived by the Swamp Rabbits to make way for the Jordan Knackstedt signing on November 4, 2015. On November 11, 2015, Kashirsky joined his fifth ECHL club in signing a contract with the Fort Wayne Komets. Kashirsky was immediately placed into an offensive role with the Komets and in 31 games contributed with 19 points. On February 5, 2016, Kashirsky was again on the move as he was traded to return for a second stint the Reading Royals.