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Moscow Could Make (Almost) History


CowboyinAmerica

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Moscow, Not the USSR -- The Moscow Menace are one game away from clinching the franchise's first Continental Cup in only its sixth year of existence. That's a quick turnaround time for certain; in fact, only four other franchises have won the title the whole time Moscow has been in existence.

 

But I was curious: How would Moscow's quick title compare to other expansion teams? As it turns out, Moscow's title is quick, but not the quickest in history for a new franchise. Discounting the VHL's original eight franchises (because then Calgary would hold the title at one season), here's how long it took the VHL's expansion teams to win their first title.

 

Cologne Express: Created S31, Title S42 (12 seasons)

Quebec City Meute/Vancouver Wolves: Created S31, Title S35 (5 seasons)

Malmo Nighthawks: Created S66, No title (5 seasons)

D.C. Dragons: Created S68, No title (3 seasons)

Prague Phantoms: Created S68, No title (3 seasons)

 

As you can see, the franchise formerly known as the Meute and now known as the Wolves broke through the quickest. The Valiq brothers on defense paired with high profile free agent goalie Skylar Rift, older forwards Miles Larsson and Yuri Grigorenko and young star forwards in Wesley Kellinger and Doug Clifford to take home the title. At the time, it was believed to be the start of a dynasty, but that incarnation of the Meute would only win one trophy. The franchise itself would not win another until S56.

 

None of the teams created after the Menace have yet won a championship - but the Dragons and Phantoms in particular still have a chance to make history. If either one were to win the Continental Cup next season, they would pass the Meute (and the Menace) as the franchise to win a title quickest after being created. But considering that neither team has ever made the conference finals, let alone the VHL finals, they better get a quick move on.

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