Biography
Among the legendary hockey players is Vladislav Tretyak, who for many years was considered a unique goalkeeper - the “Russian wall”. He fearlessly repelled any attacks from opponents, being a support for his team. Dozens of the highest awards in prestigious competitions are evidence of the skill of an outstanding athlete. At the end of his sports career, Vladislav did not leave his favorite business, but became a successful coach, and later a politician.
The legendary hockey player was born on April 25, 1952 in the small village of Orudevo (Moscow region) into a sports family. Vladislav’s father, Alexander Dmitrievich, was a pilot and, according to the requirements of this profession, always kept himself in good physical shape. Mom Vera Petrovna worked as a physical education teacher, was fond of bandy and even took part in competitions at the Moscow level.
Vladislav Tretyak in childhood
It is not surprising that Vladislav has been involved in various sports since childhood. So, he was interested in acrobatics, gymnastics, diving, swimming, but gradually hockey replaced all other sports. The boy adored this “male” game, and his great height and athletic build allowed him to realize his dream. Parents sent 11-year-old Vladislav to the hockey school at CSKA (Moscow), which marked the beginning of the boy’s advancement into the world of big-time sports.
Vladislav managed to overcome the tough competitive selection and even surprised the team coaches with his ability to fearlessly rush the puck. At first, Tretyak was a striker and for some time did without a uniform, since there simply wasn’t enough for all the players. When the question of finding a goalkeeper for the team arose, Vladislav offered his candidacy on the condition that he would be given a real uniform.
Vladislav Tretyak in his youth
Tretyak’s father for a long time did not approve of his son’s hobby and even joked that the hockey player reminded him of a janitor with a broom. However, gradually the parents were forced to come to terms with Vladislav’s choice, especially since the guy began to earn money quite quickly.
In the summer of 1967, the talented goalkeeper attracted the attention of Anatoly Tarasov, the coach of CSKA. As a result, Vladislav began training with the main team players. At the same time, Tretyak, as a member of the youth team, won the title of Moscow champion and best goalkeeper. The ambitious guy persistently pursued his goal and at the age of 16 was accepted into the main team of the famous club.
Vladislav Tretyak is no longer the head of the FHR
For the jokes about the “Red Machine” brand and attempts to play on the glorious Soviet past, we did not notice how the FHR has changed. If we take two organizations: at the beginning of the reign of Vladislav Tretyak
and now they are two completely different structures, with not much in common between them. Three letters in the abbreviation and the name of the president, and that’s all.
Actually, Tretiak in today's FHR is a wedding general. Sorry, for whom this is a blow. Or a lightning rod, which is also, in general, a necessary profession. At some ceremonies they give him a standing ovation, remembering that before them, first of all, is the best goalkeeper of the 20th century. And in the comments, as befits a free (still) Internet, Tretyak the President is enthusiastically rinsed. Simply Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde.
For the people who actually run the FHR, a president like Tretyak is convenient and even useful. He is known all over the world, very representative, with René Fasel
, again, on a short leg.
You can, of course, talk about the friendship of the Swiss dentist with Vladimir Putin
, but Tretyak also deserves credit for the fact that the current IIHF president is openly “pro-Russian”. Where else besides hockey do we get so many international competitions, even without five minutes of isolation?
You can listen to Vladislav Alexandrovich's stories for hours. And he’s a charming person, to say the least. I don’t even want to be particularly angry at his dubious statements about reducing the limit on foreign players. And these conversations have died down. Have you noticed? Tretiak generally became much less likely to speak out on the merits. And it certainly didn’t make us any worse.
It was before the 2007 home world championship that the FHR was the domain of Tretyak and his mysterious assistant with an Armenian surname. They are responsible for a completely brazen tax on foreign goalkeepers and a disastrous All-Star Game in Mytishchi. Yes, yes, once upon a time, star weekends were organized (or rather, tried) by the federation. In general, now it resembles a private shop, although at that time it seemed that after the era of Alexander Steblin
, who at times almost fell out of the VIP box in an indecent state, the arrival of Tretyak is a colossal breakthrough.
The turning point, in fact, came when, specifically for Arkady Rotenberg
came up with a new position. Since then, he has been the main one in Russian hockey. But Rothenberg Sr., if we draw parallels with the universe of George Lucas, is a kind of Master Yoda - a sage who is approached only on truly important occasions. And he himself does not waste time on trifles. His nephew is waving a Jedi sword in the fields.
Judoka with ideas. How will Arkady Rotenberg change the FHR?
Arkady Rotenberg, a candidate for the position of chairman of the board of the FHR, made a statement on the development of hockey. What does the billionaire offer?
Considering the people with what surnames occupy key positions in the FHR, you might think that our hockey has finally become a family affair. Well, like some small restaurant where the daughters work as waitresses, the mother works in the kitchen, and the sons help with the housework. But if you dig a little deeper, you will find that the FHR 2018 is increasingly reminiscent of the KHL 2008. Ten years ago, the country’s main hockey league did not have a sane website, statistics, or, especially, its own TV channel. All this was created by people who now work in the federation.
When Dmitry Chernyshenko
By decision of
Vladimir Putin
Alexander Medvedev
was replaced at the head of the KHL , a large team came to the league, which had just successfully held the Olympics in Sochi. It took her a long time to adapt to the new realities and the life of the professional league in general, encountering severe resistance from the so-called “hockey family.” They don't like strangers anywhere. Especially if they confuse players' names and answer questions from a laptop screen.
Chernyshenko and Co. got involved, and now they don’t look like a foreign element in Russian hockey. What about those who found themselves on the sidelines after the revolution? Dmitry Kurbatov has been working in the federation for several years
- Former vice president of the league.
With him, a number of shadow employees came to the FHR, whose names are unlikely to tell you anything. And this summer, another person who stood at the origins of the KHL began working in the federation. We are talking about Vladimir Shalaev
, who was entrusted with the hockey development program.
The ex-president of Avangard did not sit idle for long. All that remains is to wait in the federation for Alexander Medvedev
, who, when he was president of the KHL, desperately fought with this very federation.
Revolution in the team. Are long training sessions a thing of the past?
I really want to believe this.
Instead of scoops and retrogrades, the FHR came to a team that launched the largest hockey league in Europe and, perhaps, the most successful sports league in our country. They were unable to catch up and overtake the NHL, and at a certain stage they began to mark time. But for a federation that has always seemed like an overly cumbersome organization, their experience is a breath of fresh air. And the fact that the FHR branches in the regions were headed by Kirill Fastovsky
,
Sergey Voropaev
and
Andrey Tochitsky
, that is, people here and now working in clubs, is very indicative. Being on the same wavelength as those same KHL builders, only they can cope with the devastation in their heads.
Fastovsky - about working in the FHR: at a meeting with the regions he was a little transported back in time
Recently I had the opportunity to observe the first meeting of the FHR branch in Novosibirsk. It replaced the interregional coordination center Siberia-Far East, which was headed by Yuri Karandin
. The legendary judge is known for the fact that at one time he desperately fought for clubs in the MHL, remaining convenient for both Tretyak and the heads of regional federations. They all lived as if in the last century, without even trying to change anything. Fastovsky, having replaced Karandin, made a kind of time travel. He spoke different languages with guests from Kuzbass and Transbaikalia. While the FHR is trying to create a complete base of players starting from the age of eight, so that clubs are paid compensation, and the first coaches are given titles in case of emergency, people on the ground are simply too lazy to enter several hundred names.
The fight against the scoop will be long.
Carier start
In 1969, Vladislav Tretyak made his debut with CSKA, and his first opponent was Moscow Spartak. The guy's abilities and fighting character soon secured him the position of main goalkeeper. At the same time, Vladislav participated in several international tournaments as a player of the USSR youth team. His participation in this team ended after a rapid leap forward - he transferred to the national team.
Vladislav Tretyak on ice
The talented athlete became the reserve goalkeeper of the USSR national team in 1970. The same season brought Vladislav his first gold at the World Championships (Stockholm). Tretyak's high level of play and his desire to win were highly appreciated by all coaches. That is why he played the next World Cup as the first goalkeeper.
Hockey critics and ordinary spectators considered Tretyak a phenomenal goalkeeper, and his results confirmed the opinions of others. So, in 1972, the guy won Olympic gold, playing brilliantly in every match. At the same time, Vladislav turned out to be the youngest champion hockey player.
Vladislav Tretyak - goalkeeper of the USSR national team
In addition, in 1972, a series of eight hockey matches took place between the teams of the USSR and Canada. In the fierce battles on the ice, along with forwards Valery Kharlamov and Alexander Yakushev, goalkeeper Tretyak turned out to be the best player. The Canadian national team featured such legendary players as Bobby Hull, who commanded respect even from his opponents. Vladislav Tretiak once admitted that he could not catch the moment when Hull made his lightning-fast throw.
Later, Vladislav participated in the next two Super Series, where the USSR team became the winner. In addition, 1975 brought the athlete one of the most exciting matches in his career against the Montreal Canadiens.
Vladislav Tretyak - standard bearer of the USSR national team at the 1976 Olympics
In 1976, the already famous hockey player was honored to carry the flag of the USSR national team at the opening of the Olympic Games, and soon became an Olympic champion again. Of course, the USSR team was considered the leader, but every match turned into a tough fight for victory. Thus, one of the most difficult matches was against the powerful Czechoslovakian national team.
At the 1980 Olympics in the American village of Lake Placid, the USSR team, together with Vladislav, unexpectedly lost to the US team. Tretyak left the game long before the end of the match and was replaced by Vladimir Myshkin. Then, according to the results of the matches, Vladislav had the lowest rate of reflected shots among the goalkeepers of the six leading teams.
Vladislav Tretyak on ice
These were only temporary setbacks, because already in 1981 Tretyak became the winner of the Canada Cup. After three years, he won Olympic gold for the third time in Sarajevo. Once again the main rival was the Czechoslovakian national team, but the Soviet team managed to win a landslide victory. At the same time, Vladislav managed to set a record - he became the first goalkeeper to become an Olympic champion three times.
The legendary athlete’s last appearance on the ice took place in December 1984. Vladislav left hockey at the age of 32, although he was still full of strength and opportunity to win. But Tretyak decided to pay more attention to his family, which for a long time, due to constant competitions and training, remained in second place.
Vladislav Tretyak with awards
In general, the legendary hockey player managed to win ten world championships with the national team, receive nine gold medals at the European championships, and was deservedly proclaimed champion of the USSR thirteen times. Vladislav Aleksandrovich Tretyak can be proud of three Olympic victories, as well as gold at the Canada Cup.
Entering a professional career
As part of CSKA, Vladislav Tretyak, where the biography of the hockey player includes basic details, managed to make his debut in 1969. The first professional match took place with the Spartak team (Moscow). The guy used all his skills and character as a fighter to ensure maximum protection for the team as the main goalkeeper. In addition to CSKA, the hockey player took an active part in the development of the youth team. However, Tretyak did not stay in juniors and at the first opportunity he moved to the main USSR national team. The athlete intended to gain new experience and progress further. In 1970, Vladislav served as a reserve goalkeeper. This year the hockey player won gold at the World Cup. The entire coaching staff positively assessed his level of preparation and desire to win.
In the early 70s, the young hockey player won the attention of his first admirers and fans. Many people discussed the success of the national team on the street. In 1972, the athlete was pleasantly surprised when he won gold at the Olympics. Tretyak was recognized as the youngest hockey player to win. During the series of 8 games with Canada, he showed himself on the positive side. Even his rivals respected Vladislav. In 1975, the young goalkeeper brought victory to the USSR. At some important matches and at the Olympics, Tretyak was chosen as the standard bearer. In 1980, the first loss occurred. The USSR team missed several goals and lost to the USA. In the important match, the goalkeeper was replaced by Vladimir Myshkin. However, Tretyak showed the lowest rate of reflected attacks.
Victories returned to the hockey player in 1981. Tretyak managed to overcome his opponents and become a winner at the Canada Cup. The athlete won gold three times at Olympia. The USSR national team regained its leading position on the world stage. The athlete’s last farewell match took place in 1984. At the age of 32, Tretiak decided to finish professional hockey and pay more attention to his own family. For several years after the end of his career, many clubs invited the hockey player to the big sport. There were even offers from foreign teams. However, Tretyak agreed only to the position of coach of CSKA.
Coaching career
In 1984, Vladislav Aleksandrovich began working with CSKA as an employee of the international department. After two years, he already specialized in sports games, holding the position of deputy head of the relevant department. In addition, the legendary athlete became interested in politics and served as a deputy of the Moscow City Council.
In the new decade, Tretiak was able to demonstrate his coaching abilities and was highly rated abroad. In the 90s, Vladislav worked for (Canada). A little later, he became the goalkeeper coach of the famous Chicago Blackhawks club. In the off-season, Tretiak worked so fruitfully with Ed Belfort that he managed to bring him to a completely new professional level. Thanks to the skillful actions of his mentor, Belfort won the Vezina Trophy in 1991.
Vladislav Tretyak after retirement
Vladislav Tretyak twice trained goalkeepers of the Russian hockey team. The first time he performed these duties was in 1998, and the second time he was entrusted with such a responsible task in 2002. At the same time, in 2004, the former athlete was one of the coaches of the Russian hockey team that competed for the World Cup.
Career
At the age of 11, Tretyak’s mother brought Tretyak to the CSKA hockey school, which was one of the best in the Soviet Union. During the screening, coaches and club managers paid special attention to the ability to move in reverse; this largely influenced the selection of candidates. By the way, Vladislav was already quite good at this technique and was accepted into the team. At first, Tretyak played as a forward and a funny fact played a huge role in choosing the future goalkeeper: the club did not have enough field uniforms, this greatly embarrassed Vladislav and then he decided to offer himself as a goalkeeper, but on the condition that he would be given a real hockey uniform.
The condition was met, and the legendary goalkeeper took his place in the frame. The father categorically did not like the choice of mother and son, he compared athletes with hockey sticks to janitors, but when the boy brought in his first income, the father resigned himself and retreated.
In mid-1967, the head coach of the CSKA main team, Anatoly Tarasov, drew attention to the promising and talented goalkeeper. He transferred the youngster to the base, and he began to train with professionals. The guy’s joy knew no bounds; it became a great honor for him to train with the legendary players of that time. His debut in goal for the team took place only the next year, in the capital's derby against Spartak. Vladislav Tretyak spent his entire playing career in one club, and this is a long period of his life - 16 seasons, in which he went out to defend the team’s goal 482 times.
Vladislav Tretyak began playing for the Soviet national team almost immediately with the start of his professional career in 1969. The debut match took place as part of the tournament published by Pravda; the rivals of the Soviet team were then the Finnish national team. Since then, he began to appear in the lineup more and more often, until he finally established himself in it as the main goalkeeper.
We can talk endlessly about Tretiak’s achievements and trophies - the USSR national team was the strongest team in the Old World, only the Canadian national team could provide real competition, but
she did not take part in the world championships, and could only meet with the Union team at the Olympic Games. During his career, Tretyak took part in the Olympics 4 times and became a champion three times, only once, in 1980, losing the championship to the US team. The famous goalkeeper also has 10 world championship gold medals and 9 European championships.
After a phenomenal playing career, Tretyak had a short coaching period in his life. He coached goalies for the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. Thanks to the work of Vladislav Aleksandrovich, the main goalkeeper of the club was awarded the prestigious Vezina Trophy goalkeeper trophy based on the results of the year.
Since 2000, he has been a member of the Presidential Sports Council. And since 2003, Vladislav Tretyak began to actively engage in politics. Since 2006, he has been the head of the ice hockey federation. Since 2011, after successful elections to the State Duma, he became a member of United Russia, where he still “works for the good of the people.” For example, in 2018, he, like most of his colleagues, voted for raising the retirement age.
Politics and sports
In 2003, the legendary athlete was elected to the State Duma. In his new position, he was purposefully involved in the development of sports and physical culture, heading the relevant committee. Subsequently, as a member of United Russia, he was re-elected to the State Duma three times.
Vladislav Aleksandrovich did not stand aside regarding the case of the Yukos leaders. His signing of a letter in 2005 in support of sentencing former oil company executives received mixed reviews.
Vladislav Tretyak in the State Duma
A significant event in the athlete’s life was his appointment in 2006 as head of the Hockey Federation. For Vladislav Tretyak, this post was extremely important and valuable, because it gave him the opportunity to make every effort for the further development of hockey. Also in 2011, Tretyak joined the board of trustees of the Arctic Cup, an international hockey tournament.
Many TV viewers remember the spectacular appearance of Vladislav Tretyak at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. The legendary hockey player took part in the opening ceremony of the Olympics, and on February 7 he lit the Olympic flame along with the famous figure skater Irina Rodnina. Photos of two legends of Russian sports graced the pages of many newspapers and magazines.
From 2020 to today, Vladislav Tretyak has been a deputy of the State Duma of the seventh convocation. He proves himself to be an active politician, actively working on the further development of all kinds of sports.
Even now, Vladislav Alexandrovich continues to participate in the sporting life of the country. Thus, at the beginning of 2020, the next Vladislav Tretyak Cup was held, the opening of which the hockey legend traditionally comes in person. The hockey tournament was held in the city of Orsk from February 18 to 23 with the participation of eight teams from all over the country.
Political activity of the athlete
In 2003, Vladislav Aleksandrovich Tretyak, whose biography is known to every hockey player, was elected as a deputy to the State Duma. The former professional athlete made a significant contribution to the development of sports. Tretyak is one of the few who really cared about and was involved in the development of sports areas. He was elected to the State Duma three times from United Russia. Thanks to his responsibility and effective work, Tretyak was appointed head of the Russian Hockey Federation. The important post allowed us to strengthen the development of domestic sports.
Tretyak paid great attention to organizing international tournaments. He also personally took part in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Together with some domestic athletes, he lit the Olympic flame. Since 2020 he has been a State Duma deputy. Many people and professional athletes speak positively about this person. Tretyak is considered a mandatory deputy who fulfills all requests and actively participates in any processes.
Personal life
The famous athlete got married in his youth - in 1972. His chosen one was the girl Tatyana, with whom Vladislav lives happily to this day. They had two children: Dmitry (born 1973) and Irina (born 1976). Today they are already adults, Tretyak’s son chose the profession of dentist, and his daughter became a lawyer.
Vladislav Tretyak with his wife
Vladislav Alexandrovich has a grandson, Maxim, and two granddaughters, Anna and Maria. At the same time, Maxim decided to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a hockey player. At one time he played for the Silver Sharks, and since 2011 he has been a member of the CSKA team, where he serves as a goalkeeper.
Vladislav Tretyak with his family
Vladislav and Tatyana live in the village of Zagoryansky (Moscow region). The hockey player loves his home and treats his wife and children with special care. At the same time, he devoted a considerable amount of free time to writing books about sports. In his works, he shared his experience of playing hockey, talked about coaches and opponents, and also gave advice to beginning hockey players.
Personal life of Vladislav Tretyak
In August 1972, the hockey goalkeeper married a girl named Tatyana. A year later, a son, Dmitry, appeared in the young family (currently working as a dentist). In 1976, the happy family was replenished with another child - daughter Irina (now a successful lawyer). Vladislav Tretyak. My hero Only Vladislav Tretyak’s grandson, Maxim, chose the hockey path for himself. Today the young goalkeeper defends the colors of CSKA Moscow. At the KHL draft, the player was selected in the first round, 12th overall.
Achievements
- Three-time Olympic champion (1972, 1976, 1984), silver medalist at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
- 10-time world champion (1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983), silver medalist of the 1972 and 1976 World Championships, bronze medalist of the 1977 World Championship.
- 9-time European champion (1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983), silver medalist of the European Championship 1971, 1972 and 1976, bronze medalist of the European Championship 1977.
- Winner of the 1981 Canada Cup, participant in the 1976 Canada Cup.
- Participant of the Super Series-72, Super Series-74 and Super Series-76.
- Winner of the Challenge Cup 1979.
- The best hockey player of the 20th century according to the International Hockey Federation.
- Member of the National Hockey League Hockey Hall of Fame (inducted in 1989, the first European hockey player).
- In 1997, he was among the first to be inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame.
- In 2008, he joined the IIHF Symbolic Team of the Century.
- Honored Master of Sports of the USSR (1971).
- 5 times recognized as the best hockey player of the USSR, three times the best hockey player in Europe, four times the best goalkeeper of the world championships.
- 13-time champion of the USSR (1970-1973, 1975, 1977-1984), silver medalist of the USSR championships 1974, 1976 as part of the CSKA club.
- Winner of the USSR Cup 1969 and 1973, finalist of the USSR Cup 1976.
The International Hockey Federation recognized Tretiak as the best goalkeeper of the 20th century
In 2008, the International Ice Hockey Federation unveiled the symbolic team of the 20th century. The best players were chosen by 56 experts from 16 countries. The voting results were announced on May 17 in Quebec at a gala evening dedicated to the centenary of the International Hockey Federation. Vladislav Tretyak was recognized as the best goalkeeper. 30 out of 56 experts surveyed voted for the Soviet goalkeeper.
Along with Tretyak, the symbolic team included defenders Vyacheslav Fetisov, Börje Salming, forwards Valery Kharlamov, Sergei Makarov and Wayne Gretzky.
State awards
- Order of Merit for the Fatherland, IV degree (April 8, 2002).
- Order of Merit for the Fatherland, III degree (April 25, 2012).
- Order of Honor (August 4, 2010).
- Order of Lenin (1978).
- Order of the Red Banner of Labor (1984).
- Order of Friendship of Peoples (1981).
- Order of the Badge of Honor (1975).
- Medal "For Labor Valor" (1972).
- Medal “For Valiant Labor. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin" (1970).
- Medal “60 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR” (1978).
- Medal “70 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR” (1988).
- Medal “In memory of the 850th anniversary of Moscow” (1997).
- Medals "For Impeccable Service in the Armed Forces of the USSR" I, II and III degrees.
- Honored Master of Sports of the USSR (1970).
- “Honored Worker of Physical Culture of the Russian Federation” (April 20, 2006).
- Order of Salavat Yulaev (2016).
Early years, childhood and family of Vladislav Tretyak
Vladislav Tretyak was born in the village of Orudevo in the near Moscow region. His father worked as a pilot, and therefore always devoted a lot of time to his physical training. The mother of the future hockey player, who taught physical education all her life, was also an equally athletic person.
Vladislav Tretyak - a legend of Soviet hockey
That is why, from a very early age, our today’s hero was constantly involved in one sport or another. At first he was interested in swimming, gymnastics, acrobatics, and diving, but very soon all other hobbies were replaced by hockey. Tretyak was very fond of “ice battles”, and therefore, seeing such enthusiasm, the mother of our today’s hero very soon took him to the hockey school of CSKA Moscow. For this team, Vladislav passed a strict competitive selection process, impressing the team’s coaching staff with his ability to fearlessly rush to the puck.
This is how our today’s hero ended up in the army camp. Tretyak’s development as a professional hockey player took place in this team. This is where our today’s hero subsequently began his hockey career.
Having gone through all the levels of the club hierarchy, Vladislav joined the main team of the club when he was sixteen years old. However, he managed to “play” at the club only in the 1969 season. Our today's hero played his debut match against CSKA in a match against Moscow Spartak. And very soon he became the main goalkeeper of the team.
Around the same period, Vladislav Tretyak managed to take part in international tournaments several times as a player in the USSR youth team. With this team, the talented goalkeeper managed to achieve many important victories and get his first awards.
However, very soon the player’s career in the youth team was interrupted. The reason for this was… the player’s call to the main team of the country.