Aleksandr Yakushev

In the 1972 series between the USSR and the NHL, Aleksandr Yakushev became known to the many North Americans who had not seen this wonder play hockey before. Lightning fast, considered by many as the fastest skater in the world, Yakushev began playing hockey in 1964 with Spartak Moskva and played there until 1980, then played three seasons abroad with SV Kapfenberg (Austria), before retiring in 1983. With Spartak Moskva Yakushev won three Soviet titles (1967, 1969, 1976) and was twice a runner-up at the European Champions Cup (1970, 1977). At the Soviet Championships, he was the leading scorer in 1969 and the top goal scorer in 1969, 1974, and 1976. Yakushev was also named on the best line of the 1973 and 1976 Soviet Championships.

In addition to his two Olympic gold medals, Yakushev won seven World and European Championships (1967, 1969, 1970, 1973-75, 1979), and won two silvers (1972, 1976) and a bronze (1977) at both the World and European Championships. Yakushev was the leading goal scorer at the 1975 World Championships, with 11 goals, and was also named the best forward of that tournament. At the legendary 1972 Summit Series Yakushev played in all eight games and scored seven goals. He also took part in the 1974 Summit Series, playing in seven games and scored six goals.

After ending his sporting career Yakushev worked as a referee in Soviet and Russian leagues and also in some international tournaments, such as the 1991 Canada Cup. From 1989-93 and 1998-2000, Yakushev was the head coach of Spartak Moskva. From 1998-2000 he was the head coach of the Russian national team. Yakushev was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2003.