Russia does a complete about-face, appoints former NHLer as coach of Russian National Team

After over a week of Russian media reports stating that Oleg Znarok, the father-in-law of NHL star Artemi Panarin, would coach the Russian men's hockey team at the 2022 Olympics, the Russian Hockey Federation has made a surprise announcement. The organization has decided to go with former NHLer, and current general manager of HC Spartak of the KHL, Alexei Zhamnov.

As with many other things in Russia, it appears politics played a major role in this decision. Znarok won a gold medal as coach of Team Russia at the last Winter Olympics in 2018, but was abruptly fired right after for reasons that aren't exactly clear. Apparently, when the FHR was looking at bringing back Znarok, a faction of the organization wasn't happy with that decision. That faction pressed for the hiring of Igor Nikitin. The two sides compromised by going with Zhamnov, who has very little head coaching experience. Znarok will serve as a consultant. Zhamnov is bringing former NHLer Sergei Gonchar with him as an assistant and has said he'd also like to have Sergei Zubov.

There appears to be a very mixed reaction to Zhamnov's appointment, with many wondering why someone with so little experience would get the post. Zhamnov started his NHL career with the Winnipeg jets but is best known for his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he served as team captain. He also spent a brief time with the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins. He has plenty of GM experience in the KHL, but only served as head coach in the league once on a temporary basis.

One person supporting the selection of Zhamnov is former NHLer and the man who accused Panarin of assaulting a young woman at a bar in 2011, Andrei Nazarov.

"Alexei Zhamnov is well acquainted with the specifics of the NHL, all Russian league stars know him, he is an authoritative and respected person. I have no doubt that this Russian specialist will cope with the responsibility entrusted to him. We will support our national team with the whole country!," said Nazarov.

Source: Championat.com

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