Igor Larionov

The Professor who orchestrated the Russian Five and scored a triple-overtime Cup Final winner.

Igor Nikolayevich Larionov (born 3 December 1960) is a Russian ice hockey coach, sports agent and former professional ice hockey player, known as "the Professor". Considered one of the best hockey players of all time, he, along with Viacheslav Fetisov, were instrumental in forcing the Soviet government to let Soviet players compete in the National Hockey League (NHL). During his career, which lasted from 1977 to 2006, he primarily played the centre position.

Quick Facts

Hall of Fame: 2008
Born: 3 December 1960
Birthplace: Voskresensk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
League coach: KHL
Team coach: SKA Saint Petersburg
Draft: 214th overall

Lore & Background

Larionov won the Stanley Cup three times with the Detroit Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002) and was inducted as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame on 10 November 2008. He was also a member of Detroit's famed Russian Five line. His international career was recognized with induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2008. He helped the Red Wings to the 2002 Stanley Cup championship, and made his mark on the 2002 Stanley Cup Final by scoring the winning goal in triple overtime of game three against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Reader's Guide

Larionov's first season with Detroit was 1995–96. He was traded to the Red Wings during the 1995–96 season. He played his final NHL season for the New Jersey Devils in 2003–04. He finished his career by playing two games for the Swedish team Brunflo IK in 2005–06.

Did You Know?

Larionov won two Olympic gold medals (1984, 1988) for the Soviet Union and one bronze medal for Russia (2002).
He won four World Championship golds (1982, 1983, 1986, 1989), one silver (1987), and one bronze (1985).