Two of the KHL’s non-Russian teams will not be returning for the 2022-23 season.
Jokerit Helsinki confirmed Tuesday that it had withdrawn from the league, joining Dynamo Riga, which made the announcement in February. In a statement, Jokerit said team president Jari Kurri had left his post on the KHL board and the team would announce future plans for competition “as soon as possible.”
Both teams withdrew from playoff contention following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. The KHL announced Tuesday that it will have 22 teams next season, including three non-Russian-based teams: China’s Kunlun Red Star, Kazakhstan-based Barys Nur-Sultan and Belarus-based Dinamo Minsk.
The sports world has widely condemned Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine. The International Ice Hockey Federation banned the two countries from all competitions “until further notice” and removed Russia as host of the upcoming 2023 world junior hockey championships. The NHL also condemned the invasion and suspended business ties in the country.
