Russian tycoon eyes league to rival NHL: report
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:39 am
Interesting. This could actually work. Lots of Hockey fans in Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech etc But they would have to be able to continually to pay similar salaries players make in the NHL.Another professional hockey league could be on the horizon.
And it could be a league that would give the world's top hockey players an alternative to the National Hockey League.
A media report on Saturday said that Russian energy tycoon Alex Medvedev is planning to develop a rival league based in Europe.
The Toronto Star indicates Medvedev has hired former NHL Players Association director Bob Goodenow and Stanley Cup winner Igor Larionov to work towards developing the league.
The story also suggests the operators would like to have the new league up and running by fall of 2008. As well, according to the report, Medvedev has already contacted prospective broadcasters and sponsors.
The start-up of a new league would not be surprising, considering the continued exodus of Europe's best hockey players to the North America and the NHL.
Friction between Russia's ice hockey federation and the NHL has been growing.
Medvedev, 51, is the deputy chief executive of Russian natural gas producer Gazprom.
Then maybe the NHL winner and this new league winner if it ever gets off the ground could meet and play for a new Trophy?
One thing I really wish the NHL would do is play on the larger International/Olympic Ice surface.
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