The 2016/2017 VHL season will be held under the RIHF's auspices

On the 18th of May in Moscow, a conference was held concerning the 2016/2017 men's VHL season. The RIHF's, KHL's and VHL's board all took part in the meeting, as well as many club representatives.

At the event, league participants were informed that the decision to hold the tournament in the new format was made by the RIHF's board chairman, the KHL and the Russian sports ministry. The competition's new structure was presented, as well the rules for the teams which will compete. VHL teams and KHL farm clubs will make up the tournament.

An agreement on the tournament's organisation in which the KHL, RIHF and NP VHL have taken part in has been presented. In line with the agreement, the VHL has been presented with the opportunity to still run the competition. The federation will provide financial support, and this will include refereeing fees, the list of participants, and overall control of the way the championship is held. Also, an organising committee will be created with representatives of the RIHF, KHL and clubs.

In the near future, clubs will recieve an agreement about participation in the VHL championship, as well as the basic regulations.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation