Alexandr Ragulin Hockey player Date of Birth: 05.05.1941 Country: Russia

1. Alexander Ragulin - Soviet Hockey Player
2. Family Background
3. Early Life and Evacuation
4. Early Career and Musical Talents
5. Success in Hockey
6. Off the Ice
7. Recognition and Awards

Alexander Ragulin - Soviet Hockey Player

Alexander Ragulin, also known as Palyich or San Palyich, was a Soviet hockey player who was born in Moscow on May 5, 1941. Despite his young age, Ragulin was known for his powerful build and his game was not solely based on physical combat and destructive functions. He possessed excellent field vision, refined technique, calmness, and thoughtfulness, which allowed him to be a true game constructor.

Family Background

Alexander Ragulin was born to Pavel Nikolaevich Ragulin (1907-1991), an architect, and Sofia Viktorovna Ragulina (1904-1990), also an architect and the daughter of Victor Glushkov (1883-1937), a hydrologist and corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences. His brothers, Anatoly Pavlovich Ragulin (born in 1941) and Mikhail Pavlovich Ragulin (born in 1941), were also involved in sports and pursued successful careers as a sports instructor and floorball coach, respectively. Alexander's wife, Olga Yuryevna Ragulina (born in 1949), works at the Association of Hockey Veterans of Russia, and his son, Anton Alexandrovich Ragulin (born in 1969), is an entrepreneur. Alexander has two granddaughters, Victoria Antonovna Ragulina (born in 1997) and Ekaterina Antonovna Ragulina (born in 2000).

Early Life and Evacuation

Just one and a half months before the start of the Great Patriotic War, a Moscow woman gave birth to triplets named Tolya, Sasha, and Misha. Their mother, Sofia Viktorovna, took them to the city of Kemerovo for evacuation. One day, she met a man named Leonid Osipovich Utyosov on the street and asked if he was the famous singer. Utyosov confirmed his identity and Sofia introduced him to her twins. Utyosov reassured her that they would grow up strong and healthy, just like him, as he also had a twin sister. These twins would later become well-known in the world of hockey - the Ragulin brothers.

Early Career and Musical Talents

Although Alexander and his brothers showed promise in hockey and played for their school team, they were also talented musicians. Alexander played the double bass, Anatoly played the piano, and Mikhail played the cello at the local music school. It was hard to believe at the time that the Ragulin brothers would find more success on the ice than on the stage. However, Nikolai Semenovich Epstein, a hockey coach, saw their potential and introduced them to the world of hockey. Anatoly became a goalkeeper, Alexander became a defenseman, and Mikhail became a forward.

Success in Hockey

Alexander Ragulin quickly excelled in hockey, joining the team "Khimik" and later being invited to play for CSKA and the USSR national team. Known for his powerful physique, Ragulin was not solely focused on physical play but also possessed excellent technique and a strategic mindset. He was able to quickly pass the puck to his teammates and construct attacks. Ragulin's skills and achievements in hockey were recognized both nationally and internationally. He became a three-time Olympic champion, a ten-time world champion, a nine-time European champion, and a nine-time Soviet champion. In 1966, at the World and European Championships in Ljubljana, Ragulin was named the best defenseman in the world.

Off the Ice

Alexander Ragulin was known for his friendly and kind personality off the ice. He had a unique way of dealing with hockey hooligans, handling them with his physical strength without causing serious harm. His presence on the ice attracted spectators from all over the world, and his reputation as a great player preceded him wherever he went. Ragulin was often consulted by his teammates and coaches to resolve conflicts and determine appropriate punishments for wrongdoings. After retiring from playing, Ragulin became a coach at the CSKA youth school and later worked as a coach in Novosibirsk. Today, he continues to be involved in the world of hockey as a leader among Russian hockey veterans.

Recognition and Awards

Alexander Pavlovich Ragulin was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, two Orders of the Badge of Honor, and the Order of Honor for his outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey.