38 years ago Soviet hockey lost it's biggest star of all time, Valeri Kharlamov, who died in a car accident.
Although small in stature, Kharlamov was speedy, intelligent and skilled and a dominant player, being named the Soviet Championship League most valuable player in 1972 and 1973. An offensive player, who was considered very creative and intelligent on the ice, he also led the league in scoring in 1972. He was also a gifted skater who was able to make plays at top speed. Kharlamov was considered one of the best players of his era, as well as one of the greatest players of all time.
The memory of Valeri Kharlamov is fondly kept in hearts of millions of fans across the world.
The #17 jersey since is not worn by any other players in CSKA and Russia national team. KHL named one of its divisions after Kharlamov and Junior Hockey League's (MHL) main trophy, Kharlamov Cup, is also named after him.
And even after almost 40 years since his death, there is no better compliment to a player than a comparison with great Valeri Kharlamov.
