MOSCOW (AP) The Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League has confirmed that it will add a Chinese club next season as it competes against the NHL in Asian markets.
Kunlun Red Star, based out of Beijing, has been approved by the KHL board to join the league and now faces a rush to get ready for the start of play in August. The KHL says a formal contract ceremony will take place Saturday in China.
With just over two months until the start of the season, the KHL says it is still working on Kunlun's ''formation of the roster and plans for pre-season training.''
Former New Jersey Devils wing Ilya Kovalchuk is among several Russian stars who have been named in local media as possible signings for Kunlun.
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