Morozov: It was an interesting, unpredictable season

After Lokomotiv won the Gagarin Cup on Thursday, KHL President Alexei Morozov spoke with journalists about the 18th KHL season.

Alexei, how do you assess this season?  What do the numbers tell us?
– We’re happy with the numbers – we set several records: attendance, TV viewers, and other indicators. It was an interesting, unpredictable season. We saw lots of intrigue and unexpected results. The teams played competitive hockey in the playoffs, the games were very exciting. The guys battled, competed – every game, this one included, went down to the wire. Ak Bars never gave up today, grabbing those two late goals, but they couldn’t quite tie it up and take us into game seven. Congratulations to Lokomotiv on winning the cup, it’s a golden double for them. The team has experience of the final, this is their third in a row and the core hasn’t changed over those years. That’s a big help in these important games. Congratulations to Lokomotiv, they were the best this season.

– The last panel on the cup, the 18th, is full. There has been a lot of talk about how the trophy can be adapted. Have you made a decision?
– We’re discussing a few ideas with the company that made the cup. I can reassure fans that the cup itself won’t be replaced, we’re preserving our league’s history and the names of the winners who triumphed in the previous 18 years. We have time. Now Lokomotiv will take the cup home for their celebrations, and we’ll get it ready by next season. There are a few options.

– What’s happening with Lada and Sochi? Will they take part next season?
– At Lada, things are getting back to normal. We’ve been in touch with the governor and with the team’s sponsor. Two days ago we got confirmation that Lada will continue in the championship, we had a phone call with the governor and the sponsors. We got all the verbal agreements and we’re waiting on the paperwork. Things are more complicated with Sochi. Just a few days ago they paid the outstanding salaries but there is no guarantees to cover ongoing expenses. We’re in talks with potential partners who are interested in working with the club and want to be part of it. We’re in contact with the club’s management and we’re waiting for confirmation.

– How much of a surprise was all this, especially during the playoffs?
– There’s always something going on and it’s our job to deal with it. Every department was involved – finance was checking the guarantees, contacting corporate and club managers. Even though the finals were playing and the season wasn’t yet over, preparations for next season are underway well in advance. That’s part of our work. I hope everything will work out fine and we’ll start next season with 22 clubs. We’ve already prepared a schedule for 22 teams.

– When can we expect the schedule, and will the format change?
– The format will stay the same – 68 regular season games. It’s possible we’ll slightly tweak the format for the second phase.

– Do you remember the 2009 final series between Ak Bars and Lokomotiv?
– I’ll always remember such historic moments – the first KHL season, another final with Lokomotiv. Seven games, of course I remember it all (smiles).

– This Lokomotiv team has matched what your Ak Bars did at the start of the KHL and won it back-to-back.
– That matched our achievement and they might yet beat it. Nobody has ever won the cup three times in a row. We wish them luck; this is their third straight final, and a second win.

– Would you say this was one of the best seasons in the KHL’s history?
– It was really good, one of the best. It turned out really well and it’s cool that in weather like this fans can get outside to support their teams and just enjoy the games.

– Bob Hartley just announced his retirement.
– The time comes for all of us, but I can’t think of a better moment to retire than right after such a great triumph.