An interesting article at IIHF.com about legendary Russian team Khimik Voskresensk. Like many companies in this economy, they have gone bankrupt and folded. This sounds very similar to the Phoenix Coyotes situation in the NHL. Since the Coyotes were originally the Winnipeg Jets, why not compare the two franchises.
Overview:
Early Years
Khimik Voskresensk was founded in the 1950’and was soon promoted to the top Russian league. Since they joined, Khimik was able to contend for the title against top teams CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow.
The Winnipeg Jets joined the WHA (World Hockey Association) in 1972 and became an instant powerhouse. They won the Avco Cup three times between their creation and the collapse of the WHA.
The Players
Khimik Voskresensk has produced many great players over the years. NHL stars Igor Larionov, German Titov, Valeri Zelepukin, Sergei Berezin, Valeri Kamensky, Andrei Markov have started their careers with Khimik.
The Jets have drafted and developed NHL stars like Teemu Selanne, Nikolai Khabibulin, Shane Doan, Keith Tkachuk, Dale Hawerchuk, and Thomas Steen.
Awards
Khimik Voskresensk – Finalist: 1989
Bronze Medalist: 1965, 1970, 1984, 1990
Winnipeg Jet – Avco Cup: 1976, 1978, 1979
Relocation
The Khimik Voskresensk franchise still lives since the owners just moved the team to Mytishchi (in the Moscow region) and was renamed Atlant Mytishchi. Fortunately, local investors were able to continue the team by buying a second-tier team and relocating them.
The Winnipeg situation is similar. With the team being a small-market one, the NHL commissioner had no problem moving the team to Phoenix. The Manitoba Moose came in to fill the arena shortly after, while Phoenix enjoying early success by making the playoffs in five of their first six years. They have yet to make the playoffs since 2002.
Present Day
After fighting their way back to the top Russian league (this time the KHL), Khimik Voskresensk finished in last place with a record of 8-36-3-9 (Wins-Losses-OT/SOW-OT/SOL) and was forced to relinquish their position because they lacked the funding needed to compete. Fan rallies and proposed help from former player Valeri Kamensky have been unsuccessful in saving the team.
The Phoenix Coyotes are currently up for auction after the "infamous" court case of Balsillie v. Bettman (a.k.a. The Rat) that was covered by almost everyone in the Canadian media (and that one Phoenix reporter who walked into the wrong courtroom). Meanwhile, Manitoba provincial politicans, fan rallies, and websites have tried to convince the NHL to bring back the Jets.
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