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Eluding army can be tough

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 23, 2001

HOUSTON -- It might be extremely difficult for the Lightning to get first-round draft pick Alexander Svitov out of Russia any time soon.

So said Tampa Bay goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who grew up there. "At 18 years old, you have to go to the army," Khabibulin said Saturday before the Lightning's 4-3 overtime victory over the Capitals before 9,227 at the Compaq Center. "If somebody wants you to be there, you'll be there or, basically, it's a crime. It's going to be pretty tough for the NHL, I think, to get him out."

Lightning assistant general manager Jay Feaster said Svitov, who signed a three-year, $3.6-million contract in July, was put into military service in August against his will to keep him from playing in the NHL.

The agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation and the NHL on the transfer of European players states that only a binding military obligation trumps a signed contract.

The Russian Federation and officials from Avangard Omsk, the team for which Svitov played, belatedly provided documents to the NHL and IIHF that say Svitov, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, was inducted into the army in December and must serve a two-year obligation.

The Lightning and Svitov's agent, Jay Grossman, asked: If Svitov were in the military, why was he playing in August with Avangard Omsk, a private club, and not an army unit? Khabibulin said he played for the Russian Red Army team but was lent to nonmilitary teams.

"It depends on the people in charge," Khabibulin said. "If they know somebody, they can always talk to somebody and the army could release him to play for other teams."

Khabibulin has little doubt Svitov, who turned 18 in November, was marked for military service.

"In Russia, everybody that's 18 years old has to go into the army unless they're in the university and got it postponed," Khabibulin said. "So if he wasn't in the university, then as soon as he gets the notice, he has to report to an army base."

Feaster said the Lightning has legal counsel in Russia to look into the matter.

HOW'S HE DOING?: Grossman said he speaks to Svitov and his family regularly by cell phone.

"He says it is not a pleasant situation," Grossman said.

The agent said Svitov wants to play for the Lightning, and Grossman praised Tampa Bay's help.

"I'd like you to stress how hard these guys have fought on behalf of their player," he said. "They've gone to great lengths to try to get the player here and will continue to see it through, as will the league." UNBEATEN: Fredrik Modin's power-play goal 34 seconds into overtime gave the Lightning its victory. At 2-0-1, Tampa Bay is unbeaten in its first three games for just the second time in 10 preseasons. The first time was the 1992-93 inaugural season.

Brad Richards, who had three assists, and Martin St. Louis helped on the winner.

Dave Andreychuk gave Tampa Bay a 3-2 lead at 7:37 of the third period. But Andrei Nikolishin's second goal tied it with two minutes remaining.

Andrei Zyuzin had two goals and an assist, and Nikolai Khabibulin had 26 saves for the Lightning. ODDS AND ENDS: Washington's Jaromir Jagr and Peter Bondra had the night off as did Lightning center Vinny Prospal, right wing Matthew Barnaby and defenseman Pavel Kubina. ... Left wing Gordie Dwyer did not make the trip because of a sprained shoulder sustained Wednesday against Columbus.

Lightning training camp

WHEN: The team practices at 10 a.m. daily through Tuesday except today (noon). Schedule subject to change.

WHERE: Ice Sports Forum, Brandon. Take Selmon Expressway to Faulkenberg Road exit near Brandon. Turn left on Faulkenberg and follow through the intersection at Adamo Drive. Turn right on second street (Elizabeth) after Adamo.

ADMISSION: Practices are free and open to the public. A scrimmage Wednesday at the Ice Palace is open to season-ticket holders only.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE: Friday vs. Florida at Ice Palace, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 301-6500.

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