Jussi
Registered User
I think maybe a better word, more accurate & descriptive than "prestigious" when considering the Leafs, Habs, Bruins, Red Wings or Chicago, the Rangers, HC CSKA Moscow, the Red Army Team, even clubs like Jokerit etc is "mystique". A certain "aura" & perception about them based on history & past glories. Even minor-pro teams like the Rochester Americans, the Cleveland Barons, San Diego Gulls, they all have a certain mystique, invoke images, great clubs no matter what level theyve played at. As the game is comprised & made up of players, and though the KHL is fairly new & recent, that league to me is indivisible from superb Russian hockey. Yes they have imports but at its core, uniquely Russian. In-built mystique & prestige that if your playing in that league at all, your a damn good player. Its certainly "different" from the NHL and they have a ways to go to catch up to that leagues prestigious preeminence as the oldest & greatest professional league in the World but still, has that "mystique" about it. That undeniable Russian hockey vibe about it thats pretty hard to resist huh?
The only mystique about Jokerit is how the hell can you play in the biggest arena in the league and only win the title ONCE in 17 years you've played in it?