One of Russia’s biggest ice hockey stars, Ilya Kovalchuk has signed a four-year contract with Continental Hockey League (KHL) club SKA Saint-Petersburg, as he returns to his homeland after a stint in the NHL, the club announced on Monday.
“We’re happy to announce that the club signed a contract with international forward Kovalchuk,” the club statement said.
Earlier this month, Kovalchuk,announced his decision to part ways with National Hockey League (NHL) club New Jersey Devils, where he has played since 2010.
The 30-year-old left winger decided to return back to Russia despite the fact his contract with New Jersey was valid until 2025.
Two-time world champion and 2002 Olympic bronze medallist Kovalchuk has played 816 matches in the NHL and collected 816 points (417 goals/ 399 assists).
The president of SKA, businessman Gennady Timchenko who is an ally of President Vladimir Putin, welcomed Kovalchuk’s arrival which he said would also boost the image of the pan-European KHL.
“Our aim is the constant development of the club. In order to continue growing and win, we need to attain the right scale,” he said.
“Ilya has shown himself to be a leader on and off the ice,” he added.
Russia’s sports bosses are keen to encourage Russian based NHL stars to come home as Moscow seeks to expand the KHL and prepares to host the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi.
Russian star Kovalchuk returns to Saint Petersburg
