Vladimir Krutov

Vladimir Krutov began playing hockey with CSKA Moskva in 1977, playing there until 1989. With CSKA Moskva Krutov won 11 consecutive Soviet and European Champions Cups (1979-89). He was also selected as MVP of the Soviet Championships in 1987, was the leading goal scorer at the Soviet Championships in 1984, 1986 and 1987, and was chosen as part of the best line at the Soviet Championships in 1981-87 and 1989. In 1989, after Soviet players were allowed to play in NHL, Krutov joined the Vancouver Canucks, but played there only one season. He then played two seasons with Lions Zürich, before finishing his career in Sweden, with Östersunds IK (1992-95) and Brunflo IK (1995-96).

Internationally besides his three Olympic medals, Krutov was World champion five times (1981-83, 1986, 1989) and European champion seven times (1981-83, 1985-87, 1989). He also won silver (1987) and bronze (1985) at the World Championships. Krutov was named the best forward at the 1986 and 1987 World Championships and was the leading scorer at the 1987 World Championships and 1988 Olympics, and was also the leading goal scorer in 1987. Krutov won a full set of medals at the Canada Cup – gold in 1981, silver in 1987, and bronze in 1984. After his sporting career Krutov coached CSKA Moskva from 1996-2001, as the head coach in 2001. From 2002 until his untimely death due liver failure, Krutov worked as the director of sports school in Moscow.