KHL: Gun-slinging owners, drugs, dodgy air travel all part of the game

[yankeesgiants]

WOW

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey...-the-game?bn=1

[ImTellinTim]

Yep, that's Russia.

You should check out how they treat non-white soccer players over there.

[slickdtc]

If I had an offer to go to Russia and make money but live under those conditions and who knows what else shifty **** you see over there that they just consider normal, or stay in North America and make half of that... I'm staying home. What happens if you get hurt? They may not even pay you, or try to get you to sign papers you can't read that say they don't have to pay you. Forget that. At least over here you know what you're getting, even if it pales in comparison.

I'd go to a Finland or Sweden, though. Russia just screams bad news to me.

[N51_rob]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

Yep, that's Russia. You should check out how they treat non-white soccer players over there.

Is there an article or something you could link me to?

[yankeesgiants]

Quote: Originally Posted by N51_rob

Is there an article or something you could link me to?

ESPN did this piece 3 years ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-iRLmaZf4A

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by slickdtc

If I had an offer to go to Russia and make money but live under those conditions and who knows what else shifty **** you see over there that they just consider normal, or stay in North America and make half of that... I'm staying home. What happens if you get hurt? They may not even pay you, or try to get you to sign papers you can't read that say they don't have to pay you. Forget that. At least over here you know what you're getting, even if it pales in comparison.

True, but you're seriously underselling the money. $400K tax free? The most somebody like Reid Simpson could hope to earn in the AHL is, what, $75K or so before taxes? I can see why some players would take the chance.

Quote: Originally Posted by slickdtc

I'd go to a Finland or Sweden, though. Russia just screams bad news to me.

Difficult for North American scrubs to get a roster spot in the SEL or SM-Liiga. Most play in Germany or Switzerland. Even then, you're looking at 1/3 to 1/2 the $$$ that the KHL can offer, plus much higher living expenses.

[slickdtc]

It's a lot of money... a lot of money. But what good is it if you don't come back? Temptation would be strong, but I like to think I'd go for happiness over money. Which you're still making a good chunk of (although perspective would be different if I was a professional hockey player).