Friday, October 4, 2013

Hurricanes denied by IIHF

Press Release

 Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes were informed late Thursday their appeal in regards to Defenceman Kristian Khenkel has been denied.

The Hurricanes drafted Khenkel, in the first round (20th overall) of the 2013 CHL Import Draft and the 6’2, 188 pound defenceman spent this past season with the Yunost-Minsk Hockey Club playing on the Yunost Minsk, Junior Minsk, and MHC Yunost Minsk teams.

According to the IIHF, Khenkel’s international transfer application is not approved because his first contract signed in 2011, at the age of 14, is considered valid. The age of 14 or 15 is considered of legal age for employment in sport, therefore the contract he signed at that time remains valid through 2016.

The future of Khenkel now rests in his hands, but he only has two options. One is to return to Minsk and fulfill the remainder of his contract or he can try and obtain a release from Minsk and play in Germany. If he does not play, he is suspended for four months.

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager, Brad Robson is “extremely disappointed in the decision as is Kris. We’ve been waiting a long time for this to be resolved and this isn’t the outcome we were hoping for or expecting.” Robson added “His dream was to play here and be a part of the Hurricanes. He’s very upset as are we.” Kris will be returning to Germany in the next few days.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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