Valeri Kharlamov, Russian ice hockey player (d. 1981)

Valeri Borisovich Kharlamov (Russian: Вале́рий Бори́сович Харла́мов, IPA: [vɐˈlʲerʲɪj bɐˈrʲisəvʲɪɕ xɐrˈlaməf]), born on January 14, 1948, was a legendary Soviet ice hockey forward whose remarkable career with CSKA Moscow in the Soviet League spanned from 1967 until his untimely death in 1981. Despite his relatively small stature, Kharlamov redefined the game with his explosive speed, exceptional intelligence, unparalleled skill, and dominant offensive presence. He quickly rose to prominence, earning the prestigious Soviet Championship League's Most Valuable Player award in both 1972 and 1973, a testament to his consistent brilliance in one of the world's most competitive hockey leagues. His offensive prowess was further highlighted when he led the league in scoring in 1972. Kharlamov was renowned for his extraordinary creativity on the ice, possessing a rare ability to execute complex plays at top speed, making him a perpetual threat and a mesmerizing player to watch. His innovative style and profound impact led many to consider him not only one of the finest players of his era but also one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time.

International Acclaim and Historic Triumphs

Kharlamov's brilliance was not confined to domestic play; he was a cornerstone of the dominant Soviet Union national ice hockey team, showcasing his talents on the international stage with unparalleled success. His international career was marked by numerous accolades and historic moments that solidified his status as a global hockey icon.

The 1972 Summit Series: A Defining Moment

Perhaps one of the most defining chapters of Kharlamov's career, and indeed in international hockey history, was his pivotal role in the 1972 Summit Series against Canada. This groundbreaking eight-game series pitted the best professional players from Canada against the top amateur (though highly skilled and government-supported) players from the Soviet Union. Kharlamov, with his dazzling stickhandling, incredible acceleration, and keen offensive instincts, emerged as one of the series' brightest stars. He scored key goals and was a constant offensive force, particularly remembered for his two goals in Game 1 in Montreal, which contributed significantly to the Soviet Union's stunning 7-3 victory. His performance in the Summit Series not only captivated audiences worldwide but also challenged prevailing notions about the superiority of professional hockey, profoundly influencing the global development of the sport.

The Legendary "Big Three" Line

Throughout the majority of his illustrious career, Valeri Kharlamov formed an iconic offensive trio with center Vladimir Petrov and right wing Boris Mikhailov. This line, often referred to as "The Big Three," "The Mikhailov-Petrov-Kharlamov Line," or simply "The Super Line," is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most effective forward lines in the history of ice hockey. Their chemistry was legendary: Mikhailov provided grit and leadership, Petrov was a powerful two-way center with a heavy shot, and Kharlamov brought unparalleled speed, creativity, and goal-scoring flair. Together, they combined their diverse talents into a seamless, high-scoring machine that terrorized opposing defenses in both domestic and international competitions for over a decade, epitomizing the highly technical and fluid style of Soviet hockey.

A Tragic Loss and Enduring Legacy

Valeri Kharlamov's life was tragically cut short on August 27, 1981, when he was killed in a car accident at the age of 33. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the hockey world, leaving an immense void. However, his profound impact on the sport continues to be recognized and celebrated globally through numerous prestigious honors and enduring tributes.

Posthumous Hall of Fame Inductions:
Kharlamov was rightfully elected to multiple hallowed halls of hockey fame, cementing his place among the sport's immortals:
  • The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame.
  • The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada, the sport's highest honor.
  • The Russian Hockey Hall of Fame.
IIHF Centennial All-Star Team:
In 2008, Kharlamov was selected as one of the forwards on the IIHF Centennial All-Star Team, an exclusive roster comprising the six greatest players of the 20th century as chosen by an expert panel, further underscoring his transcendent skill and impact.
Kharlamov Trophy:
Named in his honor, this esteemed award is presented annually to the best Russian hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL), as chosen by a vote of his peers, highlighting his continued influence on contemporary Russian players.
Kharlamov Cup:
This trophy is awarded to the champion of the Minor Hockey League (MHL) playoffs, the major junior hockey league in Russia and other former Soviet bloc countries, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of hockey talent.
Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) Division:
The KHL, one of the world's premier professional hockey leagues, named one of its four geographical divisions – the Kharlamov Division – in tribute to his legendary status, ensuring his name remains synonymous with elite professional hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Valeri Kharlamov

What made Valeri Kharlamov unique as a player?
Kharlamov's uniqueness stemmed from his extraordinary combination of speed, creativity, and intelligence, especially considering his relatively small size. He could execute complex plays and maneuvers at top speed, showcasing incredible puck-handling skills, vision, and an uncanny ability to create scoring opportunities seemingly out of nothing. His style was highly innovative and influential.
What was the "Big Three" line?
The "Big Three" refers to the highly effective and legendary offensive line composed of Valeri Kharlamov (left wing), Vladimir Petrov (center), and Boris Mikhailov (right wing). This trio played together for CSKA Moscow and the Soviet national team for many years, becoming one of the most dominant and iconic lines in ice hockey history due to their remarkable chemistry, complementary skills, and prolific scoring.
What was Kharlamov's role in the 1972 Summit Series?
Valeri Kharlamov was a central figure and one of the Soviet Union's standout players in the historic 1972 Summit Series against Canada. His exceptional speed, skill, and offensive output, including two memorable goals in Game 1, were crucial to the Soviet team's strong performance and demonstrated the high level of Soviet hockey talent to a skeptical North American audience. He was widely recognized as one of the series' most dominant players.
What awards and honors are named after Valeri Kharlamov?
Several significant awards and divisions are named in Valeri Kharlamov's honor: the Kharlamov Trophy, awarded to the best Russian player in the NHL as chosen by his peers; the Kharlamov Cup, presented to the champion of the Minor Hockey League (MHL) playoffs; and the Kharlamov Division, one of the four divisions in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).