After 12 games in the 2010/2011 season, Shelburne “Russian” Redwings forward Alexander Nikulnikov is leading in the Greater Metro Hockey League points standing with an impressive 48 points - 23 goals and 25 assists.

The six foot, 185-lb centre has been averaging almost two goals and assists per game since the start of the season.

A native of Moscow, Nikulnikov is playing his first season in Canada.

He previously played with the Junior Division of the Russian Red Army team in Moscow.

“I would say he’s one of the better players in the whole league,” said Redwings head coach Jim Aldred. “He’s doing very well, he just has to keep it up.”

Nikulnikov notched another five points on Friday - two goals, three assists, - during the team’s game against the Vaughan Wild.

“It’s a more aggressive hockey style,” he said with the help of an interpreter, of playing on a Canadian team. “In Russia, there is more communication, more passing. Here there’s more hits, it’s different. When we mix the Russian and Canadian styles on ice has resulted in many goals.”

Although he’s leading the pack in scoring, he says he doesn’t think much about it.

“I don’t care about points,” he said. “When the game starts, I don’t think about points, I just go out to play.”

After the weekend the Redwings are in third place in the 13 team GMHL with a 7-5- 0-1 record.

“I think we will be going to the playoffs.” he said. “I hope we will win the championship.”