Vladimir Konstantinov
[edit] BiographyVladimir Konstantinov (born March 19 1967 in Murmansk, Russia) is a former professional hockey player. His career was ended by a car accident in 1997. [edit] Playing careerVladimir Konstantinov, "Vladdie," was drafted 221st overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, after impressing a Red Wings scout at the World Junior Championships, where a brawl broke out in the Russia/Canada game. Scout Neil Smith remembers, "He was the only one of the Russians who fought back." [1] Probably the most notable aspect of his hockey career was his aggressive style, specialising in getting opponents off their game. "For my game," he explained, "I don’t need to score the goal. I need someone to start thinking about me and forgetting about scoring goals." Konstantinov's aggressive style of play also earned him the nickname "The Vladinator," a take on the main character of the The Terminator films. Konstantinov was more than a pest, as some had taken to calling him; he was a skilled player. He earned the NHL Plus/Minus Award in 1995-96, with a plus/minus difference of plus-60. In 1996-97, his final season, Konstantinov was runner-up (to Brian Leetch) for the Norris Trophy, given to the league's best defenseman. However, Konstantinov's career is not remembered so much outside of Detroit for what happened on the ice as for how it ended. Konstantinov was involved in one of the most tragic accidents in hockey history which ended his playing career and left him wheelchair-bound and suffering from brain damage. Following a private party on June 13, 1997 celebrating the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup triumph, Konstantinov, along with Russian hockey legend Viacheslav Fetisov, and team masseuse Sergei Mnatsakanov hired a limousine to drive them home. The driver, Richard Gnida, whose license was suspended at the time for drunk driving, lost control of the limousine and hit a tree on the median of Woodward Avenue, just outside the Detroit city limits. Konstantinov spent several weeks in a coma before finally pulling through. He also suffered from serious head injuries and paralysis while Fetisov escaped with relatively minor injuries and was able to play the following season. Mnatsakanov sustained heavy head injuries and also spent some time in a coma; he hasn't recovered at all compared to Konstantinov, who at times can walk with the assistance of a walker. The driver was charged with and convicted of driving with a suspended license. It was an emotional scene one year later as the Red Wings successfully retained the Stanley Cup. Konstantinov was wheeled onto the ice, surrounded by his teammates, to celebrate the win. Throughout the playoffs the Red Wings' catchphrase was the single word, "Believe," and the emotional charge Konstantinov's tragedy gave the team likely inspired them to retain the trophy. Throughout the 1997-1998 season, the Red Wings wore a patch, with the initals of Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov featured prominently, with the word "Believe" written in both English and Russian. Konstantinov's jersey #16 has not been officially retired by the Red Wings; however, out of respect for Konstantinov, no player has been given the number since. Similarly, jersey #6, worn in the 1930s and 40s by team captain Larry Aurie, has also been semi-retired. In 2001, the Red Wings signed Brett Hull, who had worn #16 for the bulk of his stellar career with the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars; Hull accepted the #17 without complaint, instantly endearing himself to fans of his new team. Konstantinov has improved considerably since his accident. While he still has trouble speaking and walking, he is seen several times a season watching Red Wings games from a private box at Joe Louis Arena. Konstantinov returned to the ice at Joe Louis Arena, helped by a walker, for the pre-game number retirement ceremony for Steve Yzerman, January 2nd, 2007. [edit] Achievements
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[edit] References[edit] Related Articles[edit] Recent Vladimir Konstantinov ArmchairGM Stories
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