Vladimir Konstantinov

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For the actor Vladimir K. Konstantinov, see The New Gulliver.

Vladimir Konstantinov (Владимир Константинов — born March 19, 1967 in Murmansk, Russia) is a former professional hockey player. His career was ended by a car accident in 1997.

1 Playing career
2 Achievements
3 Career statistics
4 External links

[edit] Playing career

Vladimir 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 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.

1998 Patch

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.

[edit] Achievements

NHL All-Rookie Team - 1992
NHL Second All-Star Team - 1996
Alka-Seltzer Plus/Minus Award - 1996
Stanley Cup Championship - 1997 (Detroit)

[edit] Career statistics

			Regular Season					Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1984-85	CSKA Moscow	USSR	40	1	4	5	10
1985-86	CSKA Moscow	USSR	26	4	3	7	12
1986-87	CSKA Moscow	USSR	35	2	2	4	19
1987-88	CSKA Moscow	USSR	50	3	6	9	32
1988-89	CSKA Moscow	USSR	37	7	8	15	20
1989-90	CSKA Moscow	USSR	47	14	13	27	44
1990-91	CSKA Moscow	USSR	45	5	12	17	42
1991-92	Detroit	NHL	79	8	25	33	172	11	0	1	1	16
1992-93	Detroit	NHL	82	5	17	22	137	7	0	1	1	8
1993-94	Detroit	NHL	80	12	21	33	138	7	0	2	2	4
1994-95	Detroit	NHL	47	3	11	14	101	18	1	1	2	22
1995-96	Detroit	NHL	81	14	20	34	139	19	4	5	9	28
1996-97	Detroit	NHL	77	5	33	38	151	20	0	4	4	29
NHL Totals			446	47	127	174	838	82	5	14	19	107