Sergey Svetlov began his hockey career with Dizelist Penza in 1977, joining Dynamo Moskva in 1978, playing there until 1990, winning a Soviet title with them in 1990. In 1990 Svetlov played one season in Hungary with Ujpesti TE, before finishing his career in Germany with EC Ratinger Löwen and Herner EV/EG. Internationally besides his Olympic gold medal, Svetlov was on the 1986 World Champions and the European Champions in 1985-87. He also won silvers at the 1987 World Championships and 1987 Canada Cup and bronzes at the 1985 World Championships and 1984 Canada Cup.