November 28, 1999

Salaries in Russian Hockey Championships

What is the payroll of Russian teams? Nobody knows the official payroll figures but it’s easy to understand which teams are rich and which are poor.

First, one must know the name of the industry or factory that supports the clubs in each town. "Metallurg" Magnitogorsk, for example, is named after the steell mill in the town of Magnitogorsk; Metallurg is the Russian word for steel foundry. Others include "Lada" Togliatti- the Lada car factory is in Togliatti (formerly known as Stavropol); "Torpedo" Yaroslavl, for the motor and car factory, and so on.

Second, one must consult the tournament standings to know which teams are in the lead.

For example, if a club has a sponsor that has any relations with the coal mines, steel, aluminum, nickel, oil and gas industries, it can be considered as a rich one.
According to competent and reliable sources, it is known that a young player of the caliber of Maxim Afinogenov (now a Buffalo Sabres’ player) gets $US 1,300 to 3,000 a month. An experienced player of Vincent Riendeau's caliber can earn $US 12,500 per month. Last year, during the playoffs, Vincent's salary was $US 25,000 a month.

It is also known that if any club beats the leaders of Russian hockey, such as Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Dynamo Moscow, each player gets a $US 1,000 to 2,000 bonus.
Most of Russian clubs pay for players’ apartments, meals and they also offer them a car. So, why not play here rather than go to the North American minor leagues?

Denis Neznanov
HockeyZone's Russian Correspondent