Salavat Yulaev chairman: Thoresen left the club for family reasons

Chairman of the board of Salavat Yulaev Nikolai Kurapov has confirmed that Norwegian forward Patrick Thoresen will move to another team.

«Thoresen left the club. The reason are his family circumstances, as he needs to be closer to his family», said Kurapov as quoted by RIA Novosti.

According to Kurapov, Thoresen will continue his career in European hockey. Meanwhile, Thoresen himself had denied the information on his possible move to Europe, saying he will either move to the NHL, or stay in the KHL.

In addition, Salavat Yulaev spokesman said that the defender Vitaly Atyushov and striker Igor Mirnov joined the team. Goalkeeper Vitaly Kolesnik will also stay in the Ufa club.

«The spirit and the backbone of the team will remain. Six players are gone, Vitaly Atyushov and Igor Mirnov have joined us. Kolesnik is one of the of the team’s leaders. His contract is still legitimate», said Kurapov.