Righting The Wrongs

HC Slovan Bratislava, whose alternate "logo" to the left seems something better suited for a baseball cap, is beginning to finally correct the issues that plagued them during their time in the KHL. As it was reported here on HBIC, HC Slovan was in a heap of financial trouble when it came to owing money to people and places. It was made clear that admission into the Slovak Tipsport Liga would only happen if all outstanding debts owed to people and places through their membership in the KHL were paid in full. The numbers were reportedly staggering regarding the amount of money that HC Slovan owed to players and for usage of the arena, but it seems like they may have turned a corner regarding these outstanding debts. They're not out of the woods yet, but HC Slovan seems to be getting themselves on-track for a 2019-20 season in the Tipsport Liga.

Darryl Wolski posted the following on Twitter today.

Positive steps as Slovan is starting to clear debts. 1.2 million euro paid to the City for facility costs over the last two seasons. Players are expected to get 30 percent of back wages in 48 hours. For Slovan to enter the Slovak league all past bills must be cleared #KHL

— Darryl Wolski (@2112hockey) June 30, 2019

That's excellent news for a team that has existed since 1921 in one form or another, and has been one of the most storied franchises in Slovakia. It has boasted names such as HHOF inductee Vaclav Nedomansky, Zdeno Ciger, Miroslav Satan, and Marian Stastny over the years, and they've won eight Slovak championships. Needless to say, seeing them clearing up their debts is a hugely positive news, and that will likely make them joining the Tipsport Liga a lot easier.

It would have been easier to close the doors and claim bankruptcy than to work to restore the team's prominence in the Tipsport Liga. Instead, the owners have made the decision to clean up their mess and get the team back to its once-lofty position in the Slovakian league before jumping to the KHL. It was an ambitious goal, but it seems to be one that the owners of this team have not accepted and embraced, but are realizing.

Kudos to HC Slovan for making things right. The work isn't done just yet, but they're digging themselves out of a hole. That deserves some credit. Just don't issue them any credit for now.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!