Eastern European Hockey League died in the cradle

At the begin of 2013, Ukraine and Belarus hockey were shaken by the news of a possible resurrection of Eastern European Hockey League, a fresh breath for the domestic Leagues, both facing problems, lack of money and interest. The idea was mainly sponsored by Berkut Kyiv's Sergei Kharovski, his club desperately looking for a more competitive scenario then PHL. Belarusian, Ukranian and even Polish and Latvian clubs expressed interest in joining the project. Now, 5 months later, the analisys of Companion Kiyv President Stanislav Vernakov doesn't make room for much optimism:

"It is certainly very interesting, but who will take up the organization? We have promoted the idea of Berkut and Sergei Kharovski. We then supported the initiative, looking at it with enthusiasm, but soon all died. Berkut, Kharovski and the idea: all disappeared.The initial idea was to set up a league separately from the Ukrainian PHL - as two parallel tournaments. Now it seems very difficult to organize even our League! In our country there are many unresolved issues,we have no sponsors, and attract them is very difficult. thinking in an international competition.....Not now for sure!"

Tweets by @eurohockey