Swede dreams

Stockholm - Moscow, November,19 2009

Here is another proof that professional clubs of the major hockey nations are viewing with intense interest the development of the Championship held under the auspices of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Pros from Sweden — the AIK Hockey Club from Stockholm, established in 1921, — have together with the KHL come to an agreement of the ambition about participation of the club in the league from the season 2010/2011. The sevenfold champion of Sweden, currently playing in the second-level league of the national championship (HockeyAllsvenskan), can be proud of its solid infrastructure facilities, and powerful support from a multitude of fans.

On November, 19 KHL and Stockholm club AIK signed the Letter of Intent to cooperate in development and popularization of hockey. The Protocol announces the invitation from KHL to AIK Hockey Club to become member of the KHL, and join the League’s Championship beginning from the 2010-2011 season provided the Club observes all the terms and conditions, and meets all KHL admission criteria.

For AIK Hockey Club the final decision to enter the KHL will be pending a members voting as well as acceptance of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.

The initiative of a Swedish club joining the KHL is within the Pan-European League project that has been introduced by the KHL at the International Ice Hockey Federation Congress in September. The Kontinental Hockey League confirms its invitation to the IIHF and Swedish Ice hockey Federation to cooperation within this project development.

KHL is ready to provide consultancy support and assistance to the AIK Hockey Club in settling its relations with the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, and also to offer support in attracting partners and elaborating business projects for the Club’s participation in the KHL Championship.

Alexander Medvedev, KHL President, says:
“The acceptance of the invitation by AIK Hockey Club to join the KHL is very important for us. It confirms the positive dynamics in the development of hockey and the good chances to take off the ground the project of setting up the Pan-European Championship.”

Peter Mellqvist, Chairman of the Board of AIK Hockey Club, says:
“We are thrilled by the invitation of the KHL. It creates new possibilities for AIK Hockey to participate in the KHL. It brings the club to a completely different platform and creates enormous potential for the future. AIK Hockey and its fans and members will have the opportunity to take part of the Worlds best hockey played on big ice.”

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