Vyacheslav Fetisov

Vyacheslav Fetisov has been a successful hockey player, coach, and executive. Early in his career, he was a Russian star with CSKA Moscow and later went on to play nine seasons in the NHL. His illustrious career was honored by induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001. Fetisov won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998 and was a 1997 NHL All-Star. Originally upon his entrance into the league, he was a pioneer for all Russian hockey players. He led a group of eight players into the NHL at the same time the Soviet Union was crumbling. In international play, he was the longtime captain for his country and won two Olympic golds. He was also on the losing end to the U.S. in the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” game. Immediately following his playing career, Fetisov was an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils and won a Stanley Cup in this capacity. He became an influential leader back in Russia, serving as Minister of Sport for six years. Now a member of the Russian legislature, Fetisov was instrumental in securing the 2014 Winter Olympics for Sochi.