Kunlun Red Star Hockey Club is moving from Mytishchi to SKA Arena in St. Petersburg for its home games, starting from the 2025/26 season. This relocation signifies the complete absence of Moscow Oblast teams from the KHL, following the departure of Vityaz. The decision has come as a surprise, given the Chinese club`s relatively modest fan base, which makes such a large-scale logistical shift quite unusual.
Such a move would have been unthinkable under the club`s previous management. However, with the arrival of Alexander Krylov at Kunlun, a significant boost in media presence and the “Dragons`” ambitions is anticipated. The relocation to St. Petersburg clearly signals these new, elevated objectives.
At first glance, this decision seems less than logical, especially considering that SKA, under Roman Rotenberg, rented the complex for a substantial sum. It is likely that Kunlun will receive a significant discount on the lease, which is attributed to the ties between the arena`s developers and Gennady Timchenko, who reportedly also facilitated Krylov`s recent appointment. However, the question of attendance arises: it would be a good outcome if the Chinese team could manage to fill even a quarter of the 20,000-plus capacity stadium.
Undoubtedly, playing at SKA Arena could help grow the club`s fan base and further popularize the well-known meme “Since childhood for Kunlun.” Hockey is deeply valued in St. Petersburg, and every game attracts attention. However, much will depend on the performance of the neighboring team from the Ice Palace, which has not shown an aggressive transfer policy this offseason.
Should SKA`s performance prove disappointing, it`s possible that Kunlun might attract some of their fans. However, it`s highly improbable that this would lead to packed stands fervently cheering on the Red Star players. Such a scenario seems impossible.
Kunlun`s presence in St. Petersburg and its move to such a large arena also suggest potential roster strengthening. Management will gain the resources to build a team capable of achieving more significant goals than merely contending for mid-table positions in the conference. Krylov, an ambitious leader, has experience in establishing a KHL club, even thousands of kilometers away from his home country.
The world`s largest hockey arena certainly did not deserve to sit empty for an entire season. This would have significantly damaged the image of both its owners and Russian hockey as a whole. The KHL now presents another intriguing storyline: a rivalry between two teams from the Northern Capital. Whether this rivalry fully develops will become clear soon.
Neville Woodall