Alexander Medvedev: "The new Crosby will go to the CHL"

Today the President of the CHL specifically for the "SE" introduced regular chempionat-2013/14.

SKA - CHAMPION? DO NOT HURRY!

- "Dinamo" - a two-time winner of the Gagarin Cup. Many tipped him a new title. How good is the league for the fact that it rarely changes the trophy registration?


- "Dynamo" is almost completely retained the league structure. But look at the pre-season tournaments. At the Mayor's Cup team scored just one point, having suffered three defeats. This result caused a corresponding reaction from head coach Oleg Znarka. I would not write in the notorious Dinamo favorites, and others are inveterate outsider.

I look forward to an interesting and unpredictable season and look forward to the surprises. Even if we take the years when the Gagarin Cup took "Ak Bars" and "Dynamo", the final play with them different commands - "Vanguard" and "Locomotive" and "tractor", and even the modest to the point of HC MVD . Get down to the final series and the "Atlas". Tell me, who expected this?

Repeatedly stretched to the final seven games, and decided the fate of the trophy is one of goals. Say in advance who will be the winner of the regular season and get to the main series of the season, you can. But the great chance to get a finger to the sky. Especially as we have new exciting teams get stronger recent newcomers. Season not just pass under the sign of the Olympics, and will give a lot of interesting things.

- SKA not only shocked the world by signing Ilya Kovalchuk, but also formed a five classrooms fives. Now any place other than the first for the St. Petersburg team will be considered a failure. Do you agree?

- In recent years, the SKA progresses through the game, which is reflected in the attention of the audience. I came to the club six years ago, and then even a third of the arena it was difficult to collect. Now every fan in Peter dreams of victory, but it will not be easy to obtain. No loud makeup, no budget yet powerful guarantee nothing. Do not sit on the ground and the other, the competition is also set themselves the maximum problem.

In the "West" not gone anywhere Moscow "Dynamo" was strengthened CSKA. "Lion" and "Slovan" - a kind of team that have their own style. Each of them is able to surprise. Do not forget about the "Donbass", which with the arrival of Andrei Nazarov has a chance to shoot. As for the Eastern Conference, there is always someone to claim the top spots. "Vanguard", "MMK", "tractor" ...

NO SURPRISES bulls in the CHL

- The appearance of "Metallurg" Mike Keenan, who had no practice four years - that's a plus for the KHL?

- The world is not only the internationalization of economic space, but also many other aspects of life. Including hockey component. When people who have reached a career total to drop out of mind to face the new challenge - it's great. Keenan did not go out in the capital and St. Petersburg, and is not afraid of anything, went to industrial Magnitogorsk. I crossed paths with him and believe that he is not only a charismatic person with original methods of work, but also a good professional level. Accidentally Stanley Cup, you see, do not win. Especially with such a specific team as the "Rangers". The same can be said about the Gagarin Cup.

- NHL carefully guards its coaching space, for all time worked there only two Europeans. Why do we not?

- First of all, the clash of different schools, including coaching, always enriches the league. Including our young professionals, helping them to develop. Second, only a third of coaches in the NHL are foreigners. While we certainly want to appear more cool local specialists. I specifically looked some data. So, in the sports departments at universities that train hockey coaches, competition for space is growing almost exponentially. Over time, things will get better. While we are still faced with the problems coming from the early 1990s, when the status of the coaching profession impaired. Only now, the prestige of this work was to recover.

WHY TORCHETTI In CSKA? ASK Fedorova

- Which of the list - the Bulls, Vuytek, Riha, Summanen - personally, do you miss?

- All you listed. Each of them is very interesting coach. I will not play the hypocrite if I say that the lack of Bykov in the CHL - a strange situation. This is a great specialist, because no World Cup or the Gagarin Cup just does not win. Who says the opposite, referring to the effect of composition and class players, they say, anyone with them will be successful, then let to start at least try to become the winner of the championship watertower with the best masters of the yard.

- CSKA Moscow - a brand with a 60-year history. The club, on a par with the legendary "Montreal", invites the head coach of questionable American from the AHL. Is it possible to imagine somewhere in Canada? And that your fellow NHL Gary Bettman would do with the overseas general manager, invite it to steer the legendary club a little-known Russian and explained his move by the Canadian specialists are not able to work 24 hours a day ...

- On why CSKA invited Torchetti it, you need to ask the representative of the club. As for the tone of comments, then maybe it was about the coaches who have worked in the military organization before. Personally, I have seen many Russian specialists working for wear 24 hours a day. And ready to work hard even 48 hours if the day were twice as long. Not in the heat of the moment whether uttered his words Fedorov? ..

- What do you expect from rookie CHL "Medveščak"?

- Let's start with the fact that the Croatian club's long history. There have played and worked well-known representatives of the national school - in particular Vyacheslav Anisin, which acclaimed couple of years ago in Zagreb on a friendly "Medveščak" - "Dinamo", and Anatoly Kostryukov. These people there is still remembered. In the offseason, the team greatly refreshed by betting on North American players with Croatian roots. Some people have even have dual citizenship. After two years, these players will be able to play for the national team. Many did not play the role of the past in the NHL. You do not have to look at the "leader of the Comanche" veteran Cheechoo with skepticism. Just as the top scorer of the season in the NHL are not.

"Admiral" on the curve KOSE NOT OBEDESH

- From "Medveščak" do not wait for what is happening on the ice, "Hero"?

- No. In this command, if I'm not mistaken, there is no pure tough guys. What was the problem of the former "Knight"? No one objected to the man's impact on the ice when there is a serious reason. And go on the ice only to wave their fists - is another matter, especially when you no one can adequately respond.

- Can I give a surprise "Admiral"?

- I know the leaders of the club Mogilny and Filippenko, they are well versed in hockey and know how to work. In the team there are guys that can go out to the forefront. For example, Lisin. This is a very talented guy who could not fully open either in the NHL or the KHL. But now notice that in the "Admiral," he goes on in the lead role and is able to flourish with new colors.

The club collected from Vladivostok and young guys and veterans, had time to show themselves as a team in pre-season tournaments. They are on the curve of a goat is not exactly obedesh. And, of course, we all know the Finnish specialist Hannah Jortikka, which tolerates a cool attitude to work from his players. On occasion, he knows how to use strong persuasion ( laughs ).

140 MATCHES "RUSSIA-2", 30 MILLION VIEWERS CHL-TV

- No TV picture quality and the presence of hockey on TV channels available to talk about promoting the CHL in the country do not have. What is expected in this regard in the coming season?

- In our information policy has been and remains the principle that the ice must be present on a public television channel. With the "Russia-2" has agreed to show at least 140 games of the regular season. Approximately the same broadcasts were in the previous season. Play-off - it's a different story. Cup matches to the fullest extent possible all want to show. As for the CHL-TV, then have the opportunity to watch it for more than 30 million. It is not only those who are simply connected to the channel, and it includes constantly at home or at work.

Every year we work hard to make a "picture" better. In the end, the puck is small and see it is not so easy, especially if there is a problem with the lighting, brightness and whiteness of ice boards. From a good show more wins is our sport. On our laurels, we are not going to stop. I know that the Internet has already made the criticism about the fact that, in contrast to the "players" we do not do creative ads. Believe me, we are also working on it. Expect surprises.

- During the preseason with the cameras on their helmets worked not only judges, but also some of the players.

- Technological progress does not stop. All should be the measure, but close, as before, no one will.

SALARY INCREASE CAN BE STOPPED

- The new regulations salary cap was increased by 200 million rubles. In addition, a few more people will be derived from it. What was justified this decision on the advice of the owners?

- In the near future will be posted payroll KHL clubs. The total income of seven people (Kovalchuk, Radulov and others), which are derived from the ceiling, make 960 million rubles. In the history of our league, and was a luxury tax, which operated for two years. There was a time when treated without it. As for the withdrawal of players, this tool is only applicable to those who have returned from the NHL right now or recently. The purpose - to attract star players KHL.

- Well, Radulov, then came back not too long ago.

- But the NHL though. And he could, among other things, to pursue a career overseas. Is not it great that Sasha has chosen Russia?

I will not argue with the obvious facts. Yes, the gap between the biggest club in the KHL budget and the smallest - essential. But in our league championship trophies are won not payroll and teams. The complete triumph of the principle of sport. Yes, without a superstar hard qualify for the finals of the playoffs. But with the stars at times - even more difficult ( smiles ). Responsibility crushes, expectations are high and they do not help-paid masters to become one "gang". If the team does not - no amount of zeros does not help out. Wins also will not be. A lot of such examples. And in the CHL, and in the Russian Super League, and overseas.

In addition, a large budget - often means progress league club out of hockey to a new level. The example of the "Tractor". Chelyabinsk Region Governor Mikhail Yurevich is reporting that income for the past season was 300 million rubles. Earned a ticket to the program, sales of souvenirs, drinks and VIP-boxes in the palace. It has a solid marketing, a lot of money.

- The NHL had a lockout, when major league fat cats richer poorest in three and a half times. We break - nearly ten times. Should I be wary of any serious consequences?

- And how to deal with our break? Enter the forced egalitarianism and prohibit spending money to those who have them? But did the teams with modest resources that will be added to funds? To reduce the gap from ten to three times salary cap will drop from 1300 to 750 million rubles. This will lead to the fact that many of the stars will leave Russia and go to seek his fortune in the NHL. Which is even less taxes can pay them more.

By the way, on the advice of the owners I spoke with the proposal. Its essence is simple: keep the luxury tax, and the amount directed not just to maintain the financial stability of the league and the clubs who are most in need. That is paid to the five richest teams of agents to give the five poorest, for example.

- Do you like the saying "It is better to be happy and rich than poor and sick." League seeks to ensure that the poor are looking for a way to catch up to the grandees and progressed through this quest?

- The proposed system of redistribution of the luxury tax and had the strong and weak points. With all the obvious advantages - increasing competition, for example - and it could kill the incentive to work in the field. Let's say, specifically to be poor - and the money will come soon. It's easier than to work with sponsors and advertisers. In general, the increase in wages can only be stopped in one way. The number of young Russian players who are competitors of existing stars. Then the wizard will not be able to twist arms clubs requirements of the "I want to pay, as in the third link SKA" ( smiles ).

OCEAN WE ALSO UNDERSTAND

- The issue of competition - the other party disputes over the limit on foreign players. Give voice to the strategic plans of the CHL in this direction.

- We consider the problem comprehensively. We rejoice that began to give out ice hockey "triad" - linked with the league of VHL and MHL. The guys from the "tower" is able to rise and become heroes Cup playoffs Gagarin. Yesterday's juniors manifest themselves - such perspective is not one, but dozens. A massive breakthrough - it is certainly not tomorrow. But at the Youth World Cup to be seen, which trained and interesting guys in the MHL.

By the way, the Omsk tournament brightly showed two other trends. First - this level of hockey can gather full houses, not only in Canada but also in Russia. The second - of interest to all international matches. From us with the Czechs to the Americans and Canadians. Hopefully, soon it will realize in the NHL. Agreeing with all its stars, not only in the Olympics, but in competitions like the World Cup or World Cup. After all, such a reform calendar will help not only to us but to them. If North America happy that hockey - only the fourth most popular sport, in the Old World "Puck" claims to be the number one form.

- And come to an agreement with this position the NHL? Your colleague in the creation of the KHL Vyacheslav Fetisov said never. Especially after the transatlantic structure has managed to get out of the bloodshed of the last lockout.

- I know a lot of owners and genmenedzherom North American clubs. And I confess that the views on the isolation of them are really popular. We do not need, they say, no calendar, no matches teams or clubs. "Stanley Cup - all of us, do not get to spend 82-game regular season." Although many games in a smooth championship - a bit too much. There does not even have to be a specialist. Just look at how many walk-through meetings in the regular championship of the NHL. You look on the ice - and just overpowers boredom.

For all the conservatism of the ocean is increasing the number of people who think like us. Chairman of the NHLPA, Donald Fehr both hands - over. He is influential forces. Or take the statistics presented at a recent hockey summit in Toronto. In the Olympic season interest to the playoffs Stanley Cup than in others! And no matter where the games are held White. In Italy, whether, Japan. The surge of interest is great. Not to mention Vancouver. So that in America there are people who do not think of narrow categories.

DO NOT TOUCH Euro Tour

- It is impossible not to agree with you that the NHL for the international calendar beneficial. And for the NHL? In the form in which there is now - with many breaks for internationals?

- Right now, discussed the process of the club's Champions League. We made a proposal on how to be organized tournament. A key issue to be decided with all the national federations and leagues - the mechanism of the match just in time for the international breaks.

- And what do you do with the team's match?

- Eurotrip not touch it, it's a wonderful training ground for candidates running in the national team. There is an understanding that the predominantly young candidates. The output can be simple: let's set a limit on the challenge of players from one club. Regardless of the number "applications." That is, the call comes at ten, say, a man - and the club decides what the trio of ten dissolve on teams. And thus one and the same hockey player can go no more than twice per season. Then we can avoid the abuse of Russian, Swedish, Czech, and other national teams.

- Scored projects you suggest that a compromise is possible.

- It is planned that in the Champions League will be involved seven NHL teams. And the matches they will be holding a "evroturovskuyu" week. And if the teams meet on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, club hockey can take a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, yes. Then the TV will be happy, and the fans.

- We'll have to compete with football.

- Followers of the two sports - different. Anyway, in our country. When the "Zenith" played with "Milan" in the Champions League, Peter, despite the love of Shirokov and Co., along with "Peter" filled hockey and "Ice". The match SKA - "Neftekhimik" was sold out. And in the town bars - where football showed where hockey. In Europe, the same story. What is the "Leather Ball" in Sweden and Finland?

In addition, the draft of the Champions League - the first step to creating a pan-European tournament. Intermediate step. We can come to something bigger. When the CHL and Europe maintain domestic championships, but about 30 percent of the regular meetings will conduct against opponents from other leagues. And in a single play-offs will come not 16, but 32 of the club. Additional knockout round matches. Imagine how you can promote international intrigue? It is now in the European hockey comes disproportionately less money than football. But things can change.

- If 82 enhaelovskih regular match - a lot, what is the optimal amount for a smooth CHL championship?

- I like the number 64. League will come to him. When will expand to 30 or even 32 clubs. Two teams can top the CHL next season - on the verge of joining are "Harmony" with the Finnish "Yokeritom." The calendar can be expanded through a lot of things. For example, to carry out two games in two days. Especially as attendance figures prove: people will go on a series of four or five home games in a row. Hockey audience is so expanded that the tickets in many cities will not get it. In Khabarovsk, Chelyabinsk or could sweep all the seats in the period of season sales. It is no accident "Donbass", "Barys" Moscow "Dynamo" has a very different design palaces caliber. Hopefully, the new ultra-modern arena will be built.

- After joining the NHL, "Lada" and "Yokerita" will remain two vacancies. Which of the candidates is going to give priority to the league?

- The two categories. Representatives of hockey in Western Europe - the Swedes, Swiss, Germans. And ambitious projects in Russia. There are intentions to make the NHL team based in Krasnodar, Sochi. Maybe, just after the Olympics. In the Krasnodar Territory and the club has a "tower", and the school in which no rebound from the public. Well, on the eastern regions should not be forgotten.

STAR will not force to shine under pressure

- "It is wrong if after the Olympics will remain in Russia", - said the desire to go forward in the NHL, "Tractor" Kuznetsov. Your attitude to the plans of one of the brightest stars in the league?

- I note that Eugene delivers and other signals. "If there is an interesting proposal in the League ..."

- He hints can be interesting contract length in ten years.

- ( smiles ). Maybe. Kuznetsov - a serious man, the future father of the family. Thoughtful. He did well signaled. Now let clubs reflect. So, they say, would not sell "Tractor" Nichushkina Dynamo - and Valera would not have left. Now let our talented junior will try NHL. Although it is necessary to go overseas to begin, as the current star.

However, I have always believed that the road between the two leagues should be two-way. I think we will soon see young students of the North American system, who would prefer to start an adult career in the CHL. Someone growth did not come out, someone emphasis on power hockey do not like, well, someone living in an industrial city does not want ( smiles ).

- That is to grow in Canada new Crosby - and will leave the league kostolomnoy more technical?

- Yes. Especially infrastructure, sporting honesty, professionalism of managers da club organizations - all in the League at the best level. And we can not say that enhaelovskih hockey compared to ours - sport from another planet. It's time to make a joke that Jagr left Russia to finish the game overseas, but did not want to be cruel. And so it is possible to record and Grebeshkova to finish the game ( smiles ).

- By the way, followed by a reverse Ovechkin? Leaders of "Dynamo" in recent willingly raises the subject.

- The legal basis of this option is off. NHL Regulation provides that in the case of a categorical refusal to pursue a career in the league to stop the player is simply impossible. As I understand it, this item can not be undone. What is right - under pressure not make any star to shine, to comply with any mode (smiles). Another thing is that in America and could not imagine that there will be an alternative league.

- It Malkin highest motivation for myself this summer put a few Stanley Cups. When the same aspirated will dream about the Gagarin Cup?

- During the life of the current generation. The current generation of hockey ( smiles ). Therefore, we wish the fans a good show, and the Olympic team - this game. With it, and the result will come.