Ice Legends of CSKA Moscow: Hockey Inspired Weekend
Ice Legends of CSKA Moscow: Hockey Inspired Weekend
I really want to go to a Hockey match! Thus this is a Hockey inspired post.
Unfortunately, since there is only 24 hours in a day – I haven’t found the time. Hence, I settled for a movie about Russian hockey legend Valery Kharlamov. Movie is called Legend №17 (Легенда №17).
The movie is both Hockey inspired and inspiring. Aside from being a great way to practice Russian, it is also one of the most hear-touching stories I’ve heard. The movie is based on a true story, which makes it even more appealing to watch.
In the movie Valery was played by successful, talented and handsome actor Danila Kozlovsky.
It is a great mix of love for hockey, SSSR politics, determination and tragedy.
Storyline follows the life of Valery Kharlamov (Валерий Борисович Харламов), a stubborn and individualistic young man that grew to become one of the most famous hockey players in Russian history.
Danila Kozlovsky / Valeri Kharlamov
He fell in love with hockey at the age of 7, but only started playing professionally when he was 19. Starting with Zvezda Chebarkul. His talent was so obvious that he was soon recruited to play for Moscow CSKA. Valery Kharlamov was the star of the offence and the journalists often quoted his statement saying that he loves to score beautiful goals.
Valery was half Spanish on his mother’s side, hence his nickname was the Spaniard. The Spaniard scored 37 goals and had 12 assists in 42 games played during the 1968-69 season. Then and there, he became the star player for the next decade. He played under the SSSR flag in 11 World Championships, taking 8 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal with his team.
His accomplishments are remarkable! In 438 national championship matches he scored more than half of the goals! From 1968-1981 there was 507 points scored by CSKA Moscow. 293 were scored by Valery Kharlamov.
His career was almost over after the first car accident in 1976. However, he has shown a tremendous will for recovery and with diligent rehab he successfully recovered and went back to the game.
Unfortunately, the second accident in 1981 cost him his life. Together with him, his wife and her cousin died as well, leaving behind two children and millions of heartbroken fans.
You can watch full movie on YouTube.
This post was brought to you by Maja, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz
