Vladi's Page

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Vladimir Konstantinov

Height: 6 feet 0 inches

Weight: 190 Pounds

Born: 3/19/67

Murmansk, Soviet Union

Shoots: Right

Accomplishments

The Cup.

Russian Five.

Now a tribute courtesy of Hockey Over Time

Hockey Over Time

Vladimir Konstantinov

Vladdy Konstantinov used to physically punish his opponents with his aggressive, hard hitting style. Now he touches the hearts of all hockey players and fans alike, as he battles to regain his life.
"The Vladinator" was a huge part of the 1997 Detroit Red Wings team that won the Stanley Cup. He was the runner up in the Norris Trophy race as best defenseman in the league. He excelled in the 1997 playoffs as perhaps the best defensive d-man in quite some time in league history. And on June 7, 1997, he and his teammates realized the greatest moment of their professional lives, as they hoisted the Stanley Cup high above their head.

Six days later, tragedy struck. Konstantinov, Slava Fetisov and Wings equipment trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov were all injured when the limousine they were travelling in crashed into a tree. Fetisov escaped with minor rib injuries. Mnatsakanov and Konstantinov both suffered massive head injuries that nearly cost them their lives.

After much rehabilitation, Vladdy is still struggling. He can barely speak and has little recollection of his past. While not disabled, he spends much of his time in a wheelchair. Part of the rehabilitation was to have family and teammates spend time with him, hoping that those he loved would spark some kind of memory of his past. His family and the Red Wings spent countless hours with him. His Russian teammates spoke to him in Russian, yet he never responded.

They tried everything, from hockey videos to personal artifacts to try to help out Vladdy, but nothing worked, except the Stanley Cup. While it is perhaps just a legend, the story has the Wings bringing the Cup to Vladdy's hospital room. For the first time, the Russian defenseman seemed fixated on something, as if he remembered it. He stared at the Cup, not saying a word or showing any emotion, but it was a big sign that Vladdy was starting to come around.

Konstantinov's (and Mnatsakanov's) tragedy and attempted recovery drew the already tight Red Wings even closer. They dedicated the 1997-98 season to their teammate and trainer, inspired by their personal battles. When the Wings repeated as Stanley Cup champions in 1998, Vladdy was brought out on to the ice in his wheel chair wearing his number 16 jersey. After NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presented the Stanley Cup to Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, Stevie Y immediately handed the Cup to Konstantinov. His teammates wheeled Konstantinov around the ice with the Cup lying in his lap as the Red Wings skated their traditional victory lap. There was no doubt Vladdy was as big a part of this team as any other Wing.

Sadly, days after this heart-warming tribute occured, Konstantinov's wife admitted that Vladimir had no recollection of the event. But that he did know he was part of something special.

Konstantinov spent 7 years with the Soviet Red Army before coming to the Red Wings. Always a leader, Vladimir captained both the Red Army and the Soviet National team during 4 World Championships.

Konstantinov joined the Red Wings with little fanfare in 1991-92 but quickly established himself as not only a rock solid defenseman, but also a very physical one. Even though he stood only 5'11" tall and weighed 190lbs, he was likely pound for pound the toughest guy in the NHL. He was also one of the most devastating open ice hitters in League history.

League-wide recognition was finally starting to come Vladdy's way by 1996. He led the league with +60 and was named the Second All Star team. Konstantinov became part of the now famous "Russian Five" or the "Red Wings Army" as coach Scotty Bowman used blueliners Konstantinov and Fetisov with forwards Slava Kozlov, Igor Larionov and Sergei Federov to creat the first Russian 5 man unit in the NHL. It was common practice in Russian hockey to use the same five players in what was known as a unit, whereas in North America the forward lines and defensive pairings were seldom kept together.

1997 saw him emerge as an elite defenseman, finishing a close second to New York's Brian Leetch as the best defenseman in hockey. And we now all know what happened later in 1997.

God bless Vladimir Konstantinov and Sergei Mnatsakanov.

Hockey Over Time

Brenda's Bio Written With Love

His teammates call him George because of his resemblance to Curious George. We know him better as Vladinator,Vlad The Impaler amongst others. I remember watching Vladdie play in the finals when I lived in Colorado, against my then beloved Avalanche. I absolutely was terrified of the guy and respected him because of his style of play. He , on the ice , commanded and demanded respect. He was fearless and nobody messed with him! He has been described as a robot on the ice. Someone who is not easily rattled. Who kept coming and was not so easily brushed off. As an AVS fan I despised him . But at the same time I revered him.

Vladi's story begins simple enough. Unlike Sergei Fedorov, Vladimir WAS a Lieutenant in The CSKA.He was also Captain of The CSKA at the time and Captain of The Soviet National Team. He also was married to wife Irina and had a little girl, Anastasia. He was the second Russian to be brought over by Ilitch but also the one whose story has the most drama.

Being he was a Lieutenant. For him to desert it would be a criminal offense. He would basically not be able to obtain a VISA to work/play in the USA. Because criminals are not allowed visas in this country.

It was during a visit to this country and seeing his fellow comrade Sergei and how well he was doing that Vladi decided to pursue an out so he could come and be in The Red Wings.

It was Matveeev again who came up with a course of action. Having Vladi sent to a clinic where he remained for a 2 week period. While there he would be diagnosed with a rather rare but hard to detect disease. When training season began , Irina went to the management and coaches of The CSKA begging them to release Vladimir to go to a hospital in The US for treatment for this rare disease. Coach Tikhonov didn't buy it and sent Vladi to a top notch Russian military hospital

It was while at this hospital that the disease could neither be confirmed nor could it be denied that he had it. But the hospital did rule Vladimir could no longer play. Tikhonov again was not buying it so for Vladimir to be released an appeal would have to be made to the Russian police. A bribe would guarantee his release.

Now the path was clear for Vladi to depart Russia and go to The US. But a certain official tried to stop his departure by having the guards at the airport confiscate his passport and detain him in custody were he to show up and try to leave. Fortunately Matveev heard of the plan and made alternate travel arrangements for The Konstantinovs. Have them leave by train instead. But then those plans were put into jeopardy also as well!

A protest in the streets began in Moscow against political policies of then leader Mikhail Gorbachev. This occured in August of 1991 Among the protesters were Matveev and Vladi. The support of this rebellion was groundswell as hundreds of thousands marched in the Moscow streets in defiance against Gorbachev. In support the military sent in tanks to face down Gorbachev and also Yeltsin who was backing Gorby. Yeltsin's defense of Gorbachev was passionate and a victory was won by the two.

This victory however would close the borders. But sadly in returning to Matveev's car it was found that not only had the car been vandalized but also Vladi's documents were missing along with a substantial amount of money needed in order for him to leave.

Now the fear was that these could now fall into KGB hands. Were they to do so then prison was surely beckoning. Upon returning to Vladi's apt the phone rang. It was someone who identified himself as a hockey fan who had "found" the papers and the money. He was calling to make arrangements for their return. Matveev however recognized who it was and made arrangements for a gun to take along to this meeting

In exchange for the documents the fan asked for Vladi's helmet, some hockey sticks, and Vladi's autograph plus money. An exchange was made . Vladi and Matveev then got Vladi's gear and boarded a train for Budapest. In Budapest there was a plane prepared to take Vlad and family to Michigan.

Upon disembark in Michigan a rather bedraggled Vlad stepped out to meet team owner Ilitch. Jokes were made to the press and welcomes were extended. Vlad easily won hearts. Oh and his illness needless to say was a complete and rather fast recovery.

Sadly just days after his winning The Stanley Cup and making a lifelong dream come true. Vladimir along with teammates Slava Fetisov and the team masseur were involved in a limo accident in Birmingham , MI following a charity golf game. He sustained closed head injuries and was in a coma for months. It looks as if this has ended his hockey career and it is sad to think it has after all that Vlad had to endure to come here and gain freedom and play the game he so dearly loves.

He recieves treatment to this day out of a MI treatment facility and is making progress. He looks great. But of course dear Vladi is a survivor and a thriver

I myself remember the crash and the impact it had on me far too well. I lived in Colorado then and my husband was channel surfing on the tv when we clicked on CNN. There it was on tv. My hubby who is not a fan looked at me and said "I am so sorry hun". So was I. Denver media were being closemouthed and basically ignoring reporting this. Which angered me. If it were reported it was consigned to a 30 second news feed.

I depended on pen pals I had in MI and CNN for news. Watching CNN pratically hourly every :22 and :52 past the hour. With each day I prayed and hoped for the best. Sadly this is what made me realize I was a Russian 5 fan and that the man I despised I actually had an inkling for ! I have in effect been the most vocal supporter since . Even in Denver! Where I once wore a Vladi jersey in 97 to meet an AV and to the rally for The Avs in downtown Denver!

Now To See More Pictures And Some Stats For Vladi Plus Read Some News Artcles All- Here

Thanks to Russian 5 site owner for allowing me to use his sources. Also Encyclopaedia Britannica.. SLAM! Hockey., Detroit News, Papa Tarasov a HUGE debt of gratitude to you Papa--cya on the bread line Papa! Pasta line oops!