Rumors of relocation have been swirling around Kunlun Red Star, the only Chinese team competing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and recently, head coach Mikhail Kravets weighed in on these discussions. After the team achieved an impressive 6-4 victory over S.K.A. on their home turf, Kravets was asked whether this winning streak might indicate the time had come for the team to make the leap to Saint Petersburg.
'Of course, that's a good idea, especially for me since I was born here,' Kravets admitted with enthusiasm. He also acknowledged the practicality of moving to Saint Petersburg, referencing its strong hockey culture and favorable playing conditions. Yet, he was quick to temper his excitement, stating, 'But I think this is just rumor. There’s no smoke without fire, but specific decisions are yet to be made.'
The coach also seems to regard the prospect of returning to the team's historical roots and playing once again on Chinese ice as very real. 'This is really considered for next year. The main desire of our owners and sponsors is to bring us back. But everything depends on the world situation, which affects our logistics,' he explained.
Indeed, Kravets, who took the helm at Kunlun, indicated some unique challenges he faces working with the team. 'It's not just about the legionnaires,' he shared, emphasizing the need for training and development within the squad, which contrasts sharply with more established teams like Avangard. He noted, 'Kunlun often lacks the depth necessary for professional play. When players sit out, there should be room to replace them and help them grow, and we don’t always have this opportunity.'
The reality of working within Kunlun Red Star’s structure boils down to adapting training methods to accommodate the roster, most of whom are foreigners with varying levels of experience within the KHL. His focus is on ensuring team cohesion and performance consistency, as every win counts in the competitive league.
Beyond swirling rumors of moving cities, Kunlun Red Star's future remains uncertain, largely hinging on external factors like international travel regulations, particularly for other Russian teams flying to China. Kravets did not dismiss the possibility, but he emphasized the necessity of stable travel conditions for the team.
Players on the roster are undoubtedly feeling the pressure of these impending decisions. Many fans care deeply about whether Kunlun will stay where they began or take the leap to more established hockey markets like Saint Petersburg. With the KHL becoming increasingly competitive, Kunlun must tread carefully.
The current sentiment among the fans and players is palpable, with players expressing their aspirations and hopes for what lies beyond their immediate victories on the ice. The chance to play closer to family, potentially established careers, or even just the thrill of new competition can motivate these athletes.
With Kunlun Red Star’s management actively discussing possibilities for relocation and reviving their presence back home, we can expect more updates as the season progresses. The intersection of team performance, logistical realities, and external circumstances makes this development saga worth following closely.
It remains to be seen whether the KHL’s dynamics will allow for such mobility and opportunity for Kunlun Red Star. Fans eagerly await news of their beloved team, either asserting their position more firmly on home ice or establishing roots elsewhere.