The dawn of China's new ice age

Beijing KHL club unveils ambitious growth plan

The timing is auspicious - like having Sidney Crosby as your triggerman in a tie-breaking shootout.

Hot on the heels of President Xi Jinping's pep talk to a group of aspiring young bing qiu players last week, China's effort to pursue excellence in the world's toughest team sport has been given an enthusiastic endorsement by two prominent members of Canadian hockey royalty.