Da? Niet? Whatever...

KHL AIKSupporerts of AIK are heading to the ballots tonight, voting for a possible future in the KHL or if the club should remain in the confines of the Swedish hockey league. It's a hot topic within the Swedish hockey community and has divided the fans opinions, transcending club allegiances. The only main issue is that members seem to be a bit confused as to what they are actually voting for. There are no economical forcasts made public, nor details of how this is supposed to work practically. It seems the AIK board has already adapted to the Russian ways...

It is no secret the KHL wants to expand - it was written in a document as the league was formed - but they have been rejected German and Austrian teams. The only other letter of intent that has ever been signed is by Czech team HC Energie Karlovy Vary. This has however failed to materialise due to the economic downturn. Negotiations are also underway with another Czech team, Hradec Karlove HC.

I'll go with laughing-boy!

But even if AIK's members would vote in favour of joining the Russian league there are several objects in the way to doing so. A big one is that the likelihood of the Swedish Hockey Association allowing them to do so is minimal. To leave the association is unprecedented and possibly impossible as the KHL are affiliated under IIHF and IIHF would most certainly back the national association in this case, leaving KHL forced to refuse AIK entry and abilty to participate in any competition.

Also, KHL have in their statement regarding AIK signing the letter of intent, stated that AIK would be welcome to participate from 2010-2011, provided AIK observes all the terms and conditions, and meets all KHL admission criteria. I have yet to find any information as to what the admission criteria is.

Personally I think this is a bit of a non-event as I can't see how AIK would be allowed to join in the ranks of  KHL teams. I would hope it acts as a wake up call for the Swedish league to sort out its problems and restructure the current system to become more competitive. As for AIK, I can see them wanting to do this to cover their bases in case they fail to advance to Elitserien. The last few seasons has shown the club will face a long, slow death unless they get promoted. However, I don't think they'd fare that much better in a Russian league.