Zhamnov Out Of World Cup

[Maakala]

Another Russian pulls out


by Alan Adams, Sportsnet.ca

Add Alexei Zhamnov to the list of Russians who have decided not to play in the World Cup of Hockey.

In an interview with a Moscow newspaper, Zhamnov cited differences with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation as the reason behind his decision.

"I changed my mind right after conversation with (Igor) Larionov, when I found out why he was not given the position of General Manager," said Zhamnov. "Apparently Larionov sent his plans for team preparation for the World Cup to (the federation) and described the conditions which would allow to build a strong team, (the federation) showed no interest."

"Igor was willing to carry all the responsibility and said that if we were going to lose he was going to take all the blame. But the federation did not accept his roster and the candidate for coaching position -- Larry Robinson. Perhaps many will disagree with me but I do not see a better candidate."

Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin also opted not to play in the tournament because of differences with the federation and it's widely expected other Russians will also decline the invitation to play because they do not like the way Steblin is conducting business. Defenceman Danny Markov is injured and withdrew from the team last month.

The perception in hockey circles is that Steblin is using the World Cup to show that he is in charge of Russian hockey and he will not bow to the wishes of those who do not support his heavy-handed ways. It's no secret that there is no love lost between Steblin and Larionov and their differences date back to the days when Russia was a Communist country.

Steblin is also leading the effort in Russia to extract more money from NHL teams in transfer payments for signing Russian players and he is seeking to portray himself as being in total charge of the situation.

The NHL had an agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation that paid European clubs a development fee and the pact expired in May. The sum was $10 million and Euro clubs would get about $220,000 for a first-round draft pick and about $140,000 for a player selected in the remaining rounds.

The Russians want a lot more in development fees and the buzz around the NHL is that they want between $2 million and $3 million apiece for Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin -- who were the top two picks in the NHL draft last month.

Zhamnov, meanwhile, said he would reconsider his decision if Steblin allowed Larionov to run Russia's World Cup team.

"I think that Igor Larionov should be the general manager of the team. This is the only condition. I am sure many players have the same feelings."

[Jason]

Russia is screwed.

[dave the world]

Originally Posted by Maakala

Another Russian pulls out

When will they learn that this doesn't work?

[Blindside]

Russia will be a non-factor in the WCH and the Russian Federation seems to be content with that. One less team for Canada to steamroll on their way to winning the trophy.

[Ghaith]

oh man, that's really bad for Russia

[vort3x]

its a shame to see something like this happen to a hockey nation that was once so strong. I realize they were a much larger nation back then, but that's beside the point. Russia is still the largest part of the former USSSR, and has the talent to show for it. They're just digging ytheir own grave and are about to lay themselves in it.

[Gatt]

Good for America.

[ColeJ.]

let the professor take over the team... he's a hockey genius, in my books :)