KHL eyeing Dubai

This would be WILD!

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 2 years ago
KHL eyeing Dubai
Zuma Press

According to a report from Russian hockey insider Aivis Kalnins, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is looking at hosting its traditional KHL World Games in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Following Kalnins' report for Full Press Hockey, the KHL released the following statement confirming that the UAE is indeed an option for the KHL Wolrd Games:

KHL is considering three options where the ”KHL World Games” events would be held, amongst those is UAE. We’re actively working on the process that will lead to a final decision, however, it’s too early to speculate on a possible destination.

The league has held five prior World Games events in the past, with two matches in Zurich, Switzerland and two in Vienna, Austria as well as a single match in Davos. Switzerland. Last season the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the league has yet to tip its hand with regards to who might play in the event, Kalnins reports that Avangard Omsk and AkBars Kazan would be the two teams most likely to play in the event.

From Kalnins:

Per source: We are considering all options, but our goal is to promote the game and if we are headed there, we will need to send there some of our top teams. Right now we see current Gagarin Cup champions – Omsk and former champions AkBars going at it in the beautiful place that is UAE.

I've gotta say... hockey in the Arizona desert hasn't really worked out well for the NHL, but hockey in the Arabian desert has me intrigued! Give me the Abu Dhabi Arabian Knights in full Vegas Golden Knights uniforms!