BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Bloomington Bison Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Phillip Barski announced today that forward Mikhail Abramov and defenseman Mason Wheeler have signed standard player contracts for the 2026-27 season.
Abramov, 27, skated in 44 games with the Bison last season and recorded 17 points (8g-9a) with 4 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound winger previously played professional hockey in the Kontinental Hockey League and VHL.
A native of Neryungri, Russia, Abramov also has Chinese citizenship and played in 39 KHL games with Kunlun Red Star and HK Sochi and registered three goals and seven points. In the VHL, Abramov amassed 50 points (21g-29a) in 158 regular season games.
During his final Junior season, the right-shot forward earned a spot in the 2018-19 MHL All-Star game and scored 35 points (12g-23a) in 58 games with KRS Hellongjiang before beginning his professional career.
Wheeler, 24, signed his first contract with the Bison on April 1, 2026, and skated in one playoff game for Bloomington. The Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, native was the captain of Minnesota State University, Mankato in his senior season of collegiate play, and won three CCHA titles in four seasons with the Mavericks.
Wheeler skated in 153 career NCAA Division-I games and recorded 25 points (2g-23a) with a +46 rating.
Prior to his university career, Wheeler played two seasons with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm and appeared in 92 games. The left-shot blueliner contributed five goals and 18 points and had a +31 rating in the USHL.
Single-game tickets for Opening Night 2026 on Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m. are ON SALE NOW! Secure your seat for the best season of Bison Hockey yet by visiting bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information on ticket memberships and group hospitality opportunities.
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