Valery Vasiliev Best defender of the world championships Date of Birth: 03.08.1949 Country: Russia

1. Biography of Valery Vasilyev
2. Early Career
3. International Success
4. Unique Hockey Moments
5. Memorable Games
6. Legacy

Biography of Valery Vasilyev

Valery Ivanovich Vasilyev was born on August 3, 1949, in Volhovo station, Chudovsky District, Novgorod Oblast. His father, Ivan Alexandrovich Vasilyev (1921-1949), and mother, Valentina Petrovna Vasilyeva (1922-1974), raised him alongside his brother, Oleg Ivanovich Vasilyev (1947-1993). Valery is married to Tatiana Sergeevna Vasilyeva (born in 1952) and has two daughters, Elena Valeryevna Zhamnova (born in 1973) and Ekaterina Valeryevna Vasilyeva (born in 1982). He also has two granddaughters, Alisa and Nicole.

Early Career

Valery Vasilyev began playing ice hockey at the age of 12 for the local "Dynamo" team. Six years later, he joined the Moscow "Dynamo" team towards the end of the 1967 USSR Championship. In the following season, he was selected to represent the USSR in the first-ever European Junior Championship, where they finished in second place. Vasilyev was recognized as the best defender of the tournament. In the next season, the USSR team became the champions, and Valery received his first gold medal.

International Success

Throughout his career, Valery Vasilyev achieved remarkable success in international competitions. He was named the best defender in the World Championships in 1973, 1977, and 1979, a feat only accomplished by legendary Nikolai Sologubov. He became the captain of the USSR national team, leading them to victory in the 1981 Canada Cup, where they defeated the best NHL players representing Canada.

Unique Hockey Moments

One of the most memorable moments in Valery Vasilyev's career occurred after winning the Canada Cup. The Canadian organizers initially tried to take back the trophy, but after clarifying the rules, they agreed to return it to the victorious USSR team. However, a Canadian entrepreneur named George Smith decided to raise money and create an exact replica of the Cup, which was then delivered to Moscow. On October 14, 1981, Valery Vasilyev received the Cup for the second time, becoming part of a unique hockey history.

Memorable Games

Valery Vasilyev participated in several historic games against NHL players. He played for the USSR national team during their first visit to Canada in 1972, where they competed in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. The series of games between the Soviet team and NHL players continued with four matches in Moscow. These encounters left a lasting impression on Vasilyev, who considered them the most memorable games of his life.

Legacy

Valery Vasilyev's incredible power and skill made him a respected and feared player. Coaches like Anatoli Tarasov strategized to avoid their top forwards, Anatoly Firsov and Valery Kharlamov, facing Vasilyev. He excelled in power struggles and was known for his clean but forceful tackles. Vasilyev's presence also boosted the confidence of his teammates, earning him the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

Valery Ivanovich Vasilyev is a Honored Master of Sports, a two-time Olympic champion, and a multiple world and European champion. He has been awarded orders such as the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the Order of Friendship of Peoples, the Order of Honor, and the Medal for Distinguished Labor.