Bondra, Osipov leave Kunlun Red Star by mutual agreement

16 December 2020 Bondra, KHL, Kunlun Red Star, Osipov, transfer

Transfer deadline is coming closer as every KHL team is making final decisions on its roster. The Dragons are about to announce a couple of newcomers, but firstly we have to say our farewell words to two gentlemen.

Kunlun Red Star and David Bondra came to a mutual agreement to terminate 28-year-old forward’s contract. Slovakia National Team forward, Bondra played 33 games for our team since Sep 2019, recording 2 goals and 3 assists.

I am extremely thankful for my time with Kunlun and the KHL, – said David. Playing in China was an unforgettable experience. Beijing is a beautiful city and it was amazing to immerse myself in the local culture. The friendships I have gained will last a lifetime

David joined us in August 2019 by try-out contract. He played for KRS Selects teams at Renaissance Hockey Cup in Beijing, being one of the best players of this tournament – no wonder we signed him for whole the 2019/2020 season.

Unfortunately he missed the half of last season with upper-body injury received at Admiral game in December 2019. Even though he came back to the team in January and took part of ice practices, he was unfit to play until the end of the season. However, he had his personal highlights of this season. Firstly, he scored his first KHL goal against HC Sochi when his father, legendary Peter Bondra visited him in Beijing. Straight after that, David made two assists on our big win (3:0) at Avangard game in Balashikha.

Another player leaving Kunlun Red Star is our Ozzy. Denis Osipov agreed to part ways with the Dragons after 1,5 seasons. Russian D-man joined us last October, recording 2 G and 5 A in 48 games for KRS.

Playing for Kunlun Red Star is definitely one of the most interesting chapters of my career, – said Denis. I had an absolutely special first season with the team, being the only Russian player in the group, so it made me adjust to play among the foreigners with the system of play that differs much from what I used to play. It was my pleasure to stay in China. We saw all the efforts they put to bring hockey to new level firsthand. Even our small but cozy arena in Beijing was the top-of-the-line venue! I’m really curious to see what will China have in hockey in the future, and the efforts Kunlun Red Star organisation put to make the game grow in this region is so rewarding.

Speaking of this season, Denis focused on the team we have here in Mytishchi:

This season is tough for everyone, but I really like to join the team this summer wasting no time from the early days of our new group. I must admit that the guys stay one for all and capable to achieve success as a team. And personally I’d like to thank our Russian staff for kindness, hospitality and professionalism. I say «Spasibo» to Dmitry, Mikhail, Alexander, Sergei, Yury, Andrei, Viktor, Max and Oleg!

 Denis Osipov was one of those players who came to our training camp in Mytishchi this summer, literally staying with us from the first day of this year’s project.

We thank David and Denis for their time and efforts in Kunlun Red Star. We wish them all the best in their further careers!