(ATR) Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, was elected president of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia.
Chernyshenko was elected unanimously by the board of directors on Nov. 28 after former president Alexander Medvedev resigned.
Medvedev helped found the KHL in 2008, and serves as deputy chairman for the Russian state gas company Gazprom.
Since the league’s inception the KHL has grown to include 28 teams in seven countries across Europe and Central Asia.
"I am certain that the experience gained on the Olympic project – both in organization and marketing, which is no less important – will serve to promote the league," Chernyshenko told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Nov. 28.
"Thank you, Mr President, for you trust."
Chernyshenko was nominated to take over the hockey league earlier this year at an extraordinary session in Sochi, according to a report from the International Ice Hockey Federation.
The KHL has been rife with struggles the past year as franchises Lev Praha and Spartak Moscow shut down for economic reasons ahead of the current season. In addition, Ukrainian club Donbass Donetsk suspended operations for this season due to the civil unrest in eastern Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin sat down with both Chernyshenko and Medvedev to thank both leaders.
"I would also like to wish you success and express hope that you will use the knowledge and expertise you have gained during preparations for the Sochi Olympics for the further development of ice hockey," Putin said to Chernyshenko, as reported by the Kremlin.
In the meeting, Putin thanked Medvedev for his efforts to "revive ice hockey" in the country.
"I would like to thank you for what you have done and to express hope that you will not stray too far away from your creation," Putin said.
The KHL is entering its seventh season of operation and features teams in Belarus, Croatia, Finland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Russia and Slovakia.
Written by Aaron Bauer
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