Continental Hockey League Celebrates Milestone with Golden Squad and New Season Plans
During the closing ceremony for the 2022/2023 season, the Continental Hockey League known as the KHL honored its 15-year journey with a symbolic team called the Golden Squad. This carefully assembled lineup highlighted the league’s history, talent, and leadership, offering a tribute that resonated with fans across the hockey community. The coaching staff and players chosen for this honorary unit represented a blend of enduring impact and on-ice excellence that helped shape the league over the years.
Leading the Golden Squad was trainer Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, whose strategic influence and experience were acknowledged as a cornerstone of the team’s success. In goal, Alexander Eremenko was named the goalkeeper, recognized for reflexes, consistency, and the ability to anchor a defensive lineup. The defensive corps included Kevin Dallman and Ilya Nikulin, two players whose careers in the KHL underscored rugged reliability and tactical versatility on the blue line. Up front, the offensive trio consisted of Sergey Mozyakin, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Danis Zaripov, players whose scoring prowess and leadership inspired their teammates and captivated spectators. These selections created a symbolic unit that showcased a spectrum of roles required for championship hockey. The Golden Squad members were celebrated with commemorative championship rings, a tangible reminder of the league’s 15th anniversary milestone and the enduring contributions of those selected. (citation: KHL official)
As part of the broader league roadmap, KHL President Alexei Morozov shared the schedule for the upcoming season, setting September 1 as the kickoff date for the regular campaign. The regular season is planned to conclude on February 26, with the postseason beginning on February 29, 2024, and concluding by April 29, 2024. These dates reflect a compact schedule designed to maximize competitive play while maintaining a clear path to the Gagarin Cup. (citation: KHL official)
Another notable change involves the playoff format, which will introduce cross-conference dynamics beginning in the second round. This reform aims to create additional cross-branch matchups that can intensify rivalry and broaden exposure for teams from both conferences. The cross play-offs will form two groups, each featuring four teams competing in the second round of the Gagarin Cup. In each group, two participants will come from the Eastern Conference and two from the Western Conference, ensuring a balance of style and regional representation as the chase for the Cup progresses. (citation: KHL official)
Earlier reports highlighted Dmitry Yashkin, a forward for SKA, as a standout player during the 2022/23 regular season. His recognition as the league’s Most Valuable Player reflects the high level of competition and the presence of star performers who helped define that season. This acknowledgment contributes to a broader narrative about individual excellence within the KHL framework. (citation: KHL official)