Iurii Baunov '26 Recruiting Profile

Subject: Prospective Student-Athlete:  Iurii (Yuri) Baunov (#81) - Class of 2026

Dear Coaches and Recruiters,

My name is Iurii (Yuri) Baunov, a 2026 Graduation Class Forward from the Fort Erie International Academy in Canada. I am writing to express my strong interest in contributing to your hockey program.

My hockey journey began in 2012 at the Spartak Academy (AAA/Tier 1) in Moscow, where I developed a foundation of discipline and high-level competition. For seven years, I trained on ice and in the gym six days a week, competing against top-tier Russian clubs like CSKA, Dynamo, and Lokomotiv. Initially a defenseman, I made a strategic decision to transition to forward to become a more versatile and complete player, understanding the modern game's demand for offensive threats from all positions.

To pursue my goal of an international hockey career, I moved to the Okanagan Hockey Academy (IB International School) in Austria at fourteen. This experience honed my resilience and adaptability, both on and off the ice. I excelled academically in the IB program, achieving 36 points and earning the Top Student and Athlete Player Award for 2023/24. Now at Fort Erie in Canada, I am competing in the CSSHL and OPHL while pursuing an OSSD diploma, proving my ability to balance elite athletics with rigorous academics.

As a player, I am a 6'0", 176-pound, right-shot forward known for my excellent skating and stickhandling. My background as a defenseman gives me a unique two-way perspective, making me reliable in all three zones. I am effective on both the power play and at even strength, using my vision—sharpened by years of competitive chess (FIDE Chess Rating 1608)—to create scoring chances and make unexpected plays.

My primary goal is to find a University/College where I can compete at the highest level while continuing to grow as a student and leader. I am seeking a program that is the right fit for my skills and where I can add immediate value. I am very interested in opportunities that include athletic financial aid to make this partnership possible.

I have attached my player profile and video links for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team's success.

Sincerely,

Iurii Baunov

Fort Erie International Academy

Phone: +1 (289) 697-4818 | Email: [email protected]