Yaroslavl Lokomotiv secured the Continent Cup by finishing first in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) regular season. On March 17, the team hosted Admiral Vladivostok and emerged with a decisive 4-1 victory. The match opened with Lokomotiv taking an early lead, establishing the tone for the night. By the 31st minute the advantage had grown, and in the 49th minute a third goal widened the gap. Arthur Kayumov added a final marker in the last minute of regulation to seal the 4-1 result.
This triumph solidified Lokomotiv as the premier team of the season, earning the top spot in the regular-season standings and a strong foothold heading into the playoffs. The club finished with 98 points from 66 games, highlighting durability across its lineup and the depth of talent that fueled the campaign. The victory was not just about a single night; it reflected a season-long push that kept Lokomotiv atop the table and demonstrated the consistency that coaches and players had built into the club from the opening game of the year.
In the spring of 2022, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced measures that excluded Russian players from participating in international tournaments, even when competing under neutral status. The decision also affected the organization of youth world championships in 2023, signaling a broader shift in how Russian teams and players could participate on the world stage. In March 2023, the IIHF extended these restrictions into the 2023/24 season, and it was stated that Russian players would not participate in the 2025 World Cup, aligning with ongoing sanctions that shaped international competition for years to come. According to IIHF records, the policy represented a significant realignment of Russian involvement in events outside domestic leagues, with ripple effects felt across teams and programs that rely on international exposure to grow and compete at the highest levels.
Earlier, Russian hockey players had faced suspensions in connection with anti-doping violations, underscoring the broader governance context that continues to influence the sport. These developments have prompted leagues and national bodies to navigate complex rules, enforce ethical standards, and adapt to a rapidly evolving international environment while teams like Lokomotiv pursue excellence within their domestic framework and beyond.