MOSCOW (AP) " The Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League has confirmed that it will add a Chinese club next season as it competes against the NHL in Asian markets. The vast majority, 22 teams, are from Russia and the league includes various regulations designed to help the Russian national team prepare for international tournaments. The move means the 2022 Winter Olympic host city of Beijing now has a team in what is widely regarded as the strongest league outside the NHL. Kunlun Red Star has been approved by the KHL board to join the league and now faces a rush to get ready for the start of play in August. Kunlun's addition takes the KHL to 29 teams from eight countries in Eastern Europe and Asia.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 25, 2016 09:54 UTC