Alexander Yakushev

Alexander Sergeyevich Yakushev (Russian: Александр Сергеевич Якушев) (born January 2, 1947) was an ice hockey player for the Soviet Union.

Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, Alexander Yakushev is best known to North American hockey fans as one of the stars for the Soviet team that played Team Canada in the famous 1972 Summit Series. His style of play was atypical of his colleagues who were fast and skilled; he was often described as the equivalent of Canada's Phil Esposito. Although often overshadowed by his famous teammate Valeri Kharlamov, by the end of the Summit Series, Yakushev lead the Soviets in scoring with 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points.

After retiring from hockey, Yakushev coached Spartak Moscow and, briefly, the Soviet national team. He also became a referee, working in the Soviet Championship League and international events, such as the 1991 Canada Cup.

Dennis Hull wrote a book called Third Best Hull and recounts an anecdote in it (probably not true). He and Alexander Yakushev were driving in a car during a reunion event near Ottawa. (The two are now friends- despite the spitting incident in game 6 of the Summit Series). They drove over to the Quebec side of the border and passed through the City of Hull. Yakushev asked the driver to pull over when he saw the city sign, and he got out. Then he yelled at Dennis, "Son of a bitch!!! They name entire cities after you guys here!!"

External links

• Alexander Yakushev at Hockey CCCP International