Morozov: KHL wants a year to discuss pre-game shootout idea

KHL president Alexei Morozov says the league wants a year to discuss its plan for a shootout before the start of Fonbet KHL games, and that the sharp reaction to it did not surprise him.

The proposal is to hold the shootout ahead of regulation time. It was announced at the press conference after the board of directors meeting. Morozov said he raised it there on purpose, so that journalists, players, coaches and managers had time to think it over.

Asked whether the harsh response from the hockey community surprised him, he said: "No, it did not. But it is clear it still has to be laid out and chewed over. We have different ideas for improving the product. In our view this one has a number of pluses: intrigue, greater interest for fans. The idea has been voiced, and it has to be discussed. When you hear it for the first time, many questions come up. We simply need to break it down into stages and explain what it gives. We have a whole year ahead to discuss it with the clubs."

On the benefits, Morozov pointed to children.

"Many spectators love shootouts. Especially children who come to games with their parents. They sit and wait for the shootout but cannot always stay for it, because weekday games with overtime and post-match shootouts finish late in the evening. The children have to be up early for school the next day. Their parents may leave without waiting for the finish, because the journey home from the arena can be long. That happens most often in big cities."

"We are offering to give spectators this spectacle straight away, and with a guarantee. The guarantee that there will be a shootout, and that everyone will have time to watch it, because it will come at the start of the game. It will be a real spectacle, with the players just warmed up and showing their skill on good ice, which has not yet been through three periods of regulation time."

If the league keeps to the timetable Morozov describes, this may mean a full year of debate before any change, with the clubs' position deciding whether the idea goes further.