Nikolay Sologubov

Nikolay Sologubov, an officer of Soviet army, was wounded twice during World War II, the second time sustaining severe foot wounds, and he took up skating to heal from his wounds. In 1949 he started to play hockey and his powerful defense was soon noticed by Soviet hockey officials and he joined CSKA Moskva, playing with them until 1964, winning nine Soviet Championships titles during that time. Internationally Sologubov represented the Soviet Union from 1955-63 and was the captain of the Soviet team from 1957-61. Besides his Olympic medals, Sologubov won World Championships in 1956 and 1963, was second in 1955 and 1957-59, and third in 1960-61, and also won European Championships in 1955-56, 1958-60 and 1963.

Sologubov is known for one famous act of sportsmanship at the 1960 Winter Olympics. After the Soviets lost to the US team, the United States played the Czechoslovaks for the gold medal. Losing after two periods, Sologubov entered the US locker room, and although he spoke no English, he demonstrated to the Americans that they should use oxygen to help them recover for the final period. After his sporting career Sologubov worked as a head coach of Dizelist Penza (1966-67) and Metallurg, Novokuznetsk (1967-68). He also published a book My Friend Hockey (Мой друг хоккей) in 1967. Nikolay Sologubov was selected to the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2004.