Neman will play in CHL

05 Feb 2015Davide Tuniz»

Belarus Federation reached an agreement with CHL and Infront to grant a place for Continental Cup champion

Neman Grodno will play in the 2015-2016 Champions League: this is the most important decision taken in a meeting held right after CHL final between Belarus Federation, rapresented by General Secretary Yaroslav Zavgorodny, CHL General Director Martin Baumann and Infront's - the CHL commercial partner - Bruno Marty and Christoph Mauer.

During the talks, mr. Zavgorodny informed the CHL about the decision of Federation to support the application of Neman Grodno to participate in the tournament next season. Neman earns the right to enter into CHL preliminary as winner of 2014-15 Continental Cup. CHL tabled a number of issues related to the organization and holding of matches of the tournament in Belarus. Federation stated thet will act as guarantor of the rules of the matches CHL.

During the meeting, one of the key topics was the possibility for Belarus to have a permanent place in the Champions Hockey League. For the next season, an additional spot for the champion of Belarus is not provided, since all members of the group C - the 10 licenced "Wild card" teams from "minor" leagues - have already been identified. However, during the discussions was reached a preliminary agreement for the development of a cooperation between the CHL and Belarus Federation, according to which the winner of the championship of Belarus will become a permanent participant of draw of the tournament.This position was fully supported by commercial partner of the League "Infront".

"First of all, congratulations to Neman! We are glad that Belarus will be represented in a tournament of such a high level. We are optimistic about the future of Belarus in the CHL." said Yaroslav Zavgorodny after the meeting

"There were a lot of talks, will or will not play. Of course, we are very pleased that the matter was settled positively .And especially pleased because we can play in front of the fans in our home arena.We understand that this is the first step in the Champions League - it is a big responsibility, and we will be ready for it." said Neman Chairman of the Board Anatoly Varivonchik.