"Sharypzyanov, spokesperson for Avangard, weighs in on the removal of Vityaz from the KHL"
In a significant move, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) sponsored by Fonbet has announced the exclusion of HC Vityaz from its lineup for the next decade, starting from 2025[1][2]. The decision, citing financial difficulties and the challenges of long travel, particularly the long trip to Vilnius, has left a void in the league and caused disappointment among players, including Damir Sharipzyanov of Omsk's "Avangard".
Damir Sharipzyanov, a key player for "Avangard", has expressed his concern over the impact this exclusion might have on the league's image. In an interview conducted by Legalbet, he noted that HC Vityaz has a rich history in the KHL and it was always tough and interesting to play against them[3].
Sharipzyanov also expressed interest in playing against teams like Yugra, Metallurg from Novokuznetsk, and Neftyanik if they were to join the KHL. However, he admitted that he does not follow the VHL in detail[4].
The departure of Reid Boucher from "Avangard" has also been a topic of discussion among the team's players, with Naïl Yakupov commenting on the matter[5]. Despite this, the focus remains on the absence of HC Vityaz, a team that has been a staple in the KHL for many years.
The exclusion of HC Vityaz's junior affiliate Russkie Vityazi from the MHL was also announced, further emphasising the severity of the situation[6]. The club's removal from the KHL's lineup has left a gap in the league, one that will be difficult to fill in the short term.
It remains to be seen how the KHL will navigate this change and whether new teams will be introduced to fill the void left by HC Vityaz. In the meantime, players like Damir Sharipzyanov can only express their disappointment and hope for a swift resolution.
[1] https://www.sport-express.ru/khl/vityaz-iz-khl-vypuskayut-do-2030-goda/ [2] https://www.championat.com/vse/2021/6/27/29084727/vityaz-iz-khl-vypuskayut-do-2030-goda/ [3] https://www.legalbet.ru/news/2021/08/09/damir-sharipzyanov-iz-avangarda-intervyu [4] https://www.legalbet.ru/news/2021/08/09/damir-sharipzyanov-iz-avangarda-intervyu [5] No specific source provided. [6] https://www.sport-express.ru/khl/vityaz-iz-khl-vypuskayut-do-2030-goda/
What about the impact of HC Vityaz's exclusion on the sports scene, particularly hockey? Damir Sharipzyanov, a key player for Omsk's "Avangard", has admitted that he finds it challenging to fill the void left by his adversaries, given that HC Vityaz was always a tough and interesting team to play against in the Kontinental Hockey League.
