Hello
In the history of traditional cinema,
criminals usually lose,
The story always ends happily.
I cannot promise such an end for what you will witness.
The story isn't over yet.
You, all viewers, are part of the conflict.
What has happened so far,
and what is currently happening is still far from what is expected.
How we face challenges from communists depends on you.
We are all united in hatred for communist slavery.
The Soviets are the best team in the world
Hockey sports prove that the Soviet system is the best system.
When the Big Red Machine is moving, it's hard to stop it.
Their target is us.
Our institutions, our families, our children.
The Soviets started attacking...
A brilliant game!
Even though it doesn't display emotions,
just admit, they are microcosms in their society.
You talk about dynasty!
This is the actual megastar,
Probably the best in the world,
Slava Fetisov, one of the best defenders in history...
Fetisov, stab into the middle! They score!
They are a totalitarian team.
The KGB people are always there.
They handcuffed it...
Do you want to play for our enemy?
I will send you to Siberia and you will never go outside...
And it's really stupid if we don't make the necessary preparations...
To Win.
RED FORCES
Okay... a... I just want, bro, a little about...
Because basically, what I'm trying to get from this film is...
ba... how does it feel to live in the Soviet Union.
And... uh...
Slava Fetisov, Defender
Yeah, and express your feelings about...
I'm busy now. Wait. I have business.
Alright.
Ma... I mean American viewers
Not really understanding, things that people don't have
or.... or even good things.
Slava Fetisov has won... or.... or even good things.
But what are some things that you think... "We have to wait in line, or we have to..."
It's normal, but "We have to do this, we have to do it."
Traveling, for example.
Basic things, which we underestimate today.
Like this is... "Look, we can't...
Asteroid 8806 is named" Fetisov "
I was born in the Soviet Union in '58.
13 years after World War II ended. The whole country was destroyed.
We lost 20 million people.
That's a lot.
We live in Stalin's buildings.
Apartment-sized around 400 square meters.
Water does not flow, toilet does not exist, one apartment is three families.
That is a hard lifestyle.
I am a cheerful child.
I joined a game. I played hockey.
The puck ( puck ) is empty cans and similar items.
However, we feel happy.
Our heroes play for the Red Army Club, for the national team.
At that time hockey was the most popular sport in the Soviet Union.
because of the Soviet hockey team
represents the culmination of Soviet achievements.
and is proof that the Soviet government system is the best governance system.
So, that... It's all politics, actually.
ENTRY TEST!
JOIN THE RED ARMY HOCKEY TEAM AND SERVE YOUR STATE.
My mother and father, they might raise money for two years.
They bought me gloves, helmets and ice skates on the black market, maybe for 250 rubles.
That's a lot of money for a Soviet family at that time.
The Soviet military body operated the Red Army School to develop athletes for the national team.
There used to be a long queue of boys.
With a stick. With ice skates.
With parents. With grandparents.
Unbelievable. The length may be 3-4 miles.
When it was decided to go into the hockey world,
money, everything is given for that.
They have a very well-organized system.
I mean, from childhood to...
They really choose the best from the best of the best....
And this is a system that is applied nationally.
At that time I was only 9 years old.
I queued around 7 or 8 hours.
I'm tired.
I have no other choice.
They say, "Thank you very much. Come again next year."
So I practice 3 or 4 times a day.
Finally, they said I was good enough to join the team.
I feel very proud to be able to play for the Red Army.
Sounds in the ears of attacking music!
The Red Army Hockey Club was founded during the leadership of Joseph Stalin to demonstrate Soviet Superiority, Stalin wants to create athletes to dominate the West
Brotherhood of Ice is fighting furiously
and we believe in the courage of those who are desperate
Real men play hockey
coward doesn't play hockey
Slide on ice without fear.
We will give you training that no one has ever seen.
You will be acrobating with your stick Turn it around your head.
Where is the smile? You are playing hockey!
Jump! Fast!
Tarasov is the father of the Soviet game system.
Good!
And the head coach of the Red Army.
You will be great hockey players!
and real men!
This person has an important role in my life.
I'm a true supporter of the Red Army.
I came there. I'm only 10 years old.
Tarasov, he developed the program.
He has written several books about hockey.
These books have been at my bedside since I was little.
He described this game in a very simple way.
Hockey is an aggressive game.
Hockey isn't like tennis, right?
So I won't say that people in the North...
Americans, Canadians are more aggressive than Russians.
I won't say it.
But I'm really sure that there is a different concept
about how you play it.
Tarasov, who is a very creative person,
he saw hockey as an game of puck that was amazingly, complicated.
The Soviets play games that are smarter and more improvised...
And they are able to cut and slide beautifully.
The game of passing each other is something convoluted, a stretch of artistic tapestry,
that we don't meet here.
We emphasize everything in one unit, from togetherness.
The carrier puck is a servant for other players.
At that time our training camp was merged.
My chess team and national hockey team.
They often come to me
if they have questions about psychological training.
Tarasov has a theory that hockey games must be played like a chess game.
He studied the Bolshoi practice,
and apply it in hockey.
See these dances, eh?
Like Boogie Woogie!
Sports is an art form.
That's what Tarasov thought.
Creativity, a living and flowing mind
needed for grandeur.
My father isn't just a hockey coach He is a great mentor.
He is able to see the potential in a young man.
He developed my patriotism.
because of socialism.
That's why we are the best.
At this time, you are more advanced than us.
We still have a lot of things to do to be able to keep up with you.
We will do the work.
We will follow.
We will surpass you.
You can laugh now, but when we pass you,
We will wave our hands while saying, "Capitalists! Goodbye! Follow us if you can!"
Have you ever watched hockey?
I like playing with my doll.
Do you know the meaning of these letters:
K-G-B?
No!
Yeah, you were born too late.
You don't have to deal with this organization.
The Central Red Army is getting ready to leave to North America to compete in several game series
against the best Western teams.
An amazing player that we didn't see in last year's junior championship
is a brilliant defender, Viacheslav Fetisov.
When we cross the Atlantic to play against
Ontario's best club at the age of 16, I'm really happy.
At that time there was only one flight in a week.
It's empty because nobody gets on a plane.
Of course, ordinary people cannot leave the country
because that is the system.
I used to travel with them often to provide protection.
and prevent any "escape" to the West.
"Special people" who are traveling with us,
they gave you a passport before you arrived at the passport checkpoint
and they collected the passport when you passed the checkpoint.
Canadians put us in a five-star hotel.
Candlestick. Marble.
One person one room,
and TV with hundreds of channels .
Hi, right now, Loblaws is selling cold food wholesale...
Fruits, vegetables in winter.
I have never seen us given things like this before.
In the Soviet Union, we eat fish a day a week.
It's called "Thursday Fish".
When people go abroad, especially for the first time,
they were very surprised by the differences.
We are given $ 48.
They gave us pocket money.
I bought 2 jeans, 3 pairs of shorts.
There are so many items that are not in Moscow.
Nevertheless, they have never seen
the bad side of other countries.
The supervision is very strict.
Without such strict supervision, work becomes useless at all.
I never thought of running away.
Never. What does it mean?
This means that you were happy first.
I'm happy.
Tonight, the Canadian Team hosted the Soviet Union.
A team that we have never witnessed.
In that room there were 12,000 people. full.
I'm so nervous, you know?
Our equipment is bad.
- Canada against the Soviet Union. - The Canadian team is far superior.
Two things that make Team Canada better,
they shoot better and glide better.
Canadians, fans and sports news writers, seem confident that their favorite team will destroy this challenger from Russia We beat them in all 5 games.
Fetisov drove along the line. Fetisov tries to feed forward.
Feeding forward. They opened fire, entered!
Fetisov breaks through the cracks. Fetisov shoots.
Fetisov with a brilliant game. He scores!
- Fetisov. - Fetisov.
And the match is over.
The Soviet Union defeated the Canadian team.
Viacheslav Fetisov. His teammates call him Slava.
No doubt he is one of the great young stars.
from the Central Red Army team.
He said he was able to slide back
as fast as most defenders going forward.
Small children dream of being able to play like Fetisov.
Which player do you like the most?
- Fetisov. - Fetisov.
Okay, Gabe. Let's begin. Let's begin. Work!
You guys in America are used to not doing anything.
Yeah. Okay.
I want to ask you about Viktor Tikhonov.
How can he become a national team coach,
and what is your relationship with him?
Tarasov got a problem because
Tarasov's team scored a goal but was annulled.
And he is very angry.
he really pulled out his players from the field.
Tarasov disagrees and stops the game.
We didn't play for 40 minutes.
And there is Brezhnev up there.
Leonid Breshnev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union in '64 - '82
And Brezhnev said, "What is this?"
Translated by Dhekoz_163
They fired him from the national team.
They punished Tarasov for this.
The KGB leadership is a supporter of the Red Army Club.
Tikhonov is his protégé.
Viktor Tikhonov Soviet Union Hockey Coach
You mean, Tikhonov was very powerful in the Communist Party until they appointed him...
What do you mean by power?
I mean, can't anyone just say...
What do you mean by power? He is part of the system.
The KGB chief put it in that position.
Viktor Tikhonov is not liked or despised by almost all players.
If we disobey, he will punish us severely.
Vladislav Tretiak, Keeper of the Goal
He will cut your salary or make you unable to compete.
The discussion was a little too excited.
Our friend, Mr. Tikhonov, angry (ticked off ), forgive that expression.
Tikhonov has been heavily criticized by several players.
One player stated, if he needed a liver transplant,
He wants Viktor's heart, because Viktor never used his heart (lol)
You can see it yelling at the players on the bench,
and, actually, he will hit them during training, hit their heads.
Embarrassing like this.
I'm very unstable.
That's me.
And people know that.
They know when it's time to approach me.
He looks a little crazy there.
Tikhonov has been in a very favorable position from the start
He got the best team in the world.
He has full support from the government.
In the Soviet Union, you can get any player you want.
You only have to recruit him to become an army and he also becomes a Red Army player.
Can Tikhonov succeed without us?
I don't know.
We were successful without him?
I think I can.
Here, suddenly, there is a team, which is able to defeat the Canadian team.
And hockey players who are all considered heroes.
And hockey itself becomes very popular in the country.
Can you tell me about your first Olympics?
Want to tell? Do you have time?
I came to you tonight to discuss a very important situation
and change rapidly in Southwest Asia.
The great strength of the Soviet military has been invaded a small, non-block, respectable nation named Afghanistan.
Soviet-controlled Afghanistan is a stepping stone
the possibility of control of most of the world's oil reserves.
This is a business that deliberately is carried out by a strong, atheistic government
to conquer free Muslims.
A great battle is raging in Afghanistan.
With the entry of Soviet forces in several parts of the country,
the world's anger at the Soviet takeover - which blatantly became irresistible.
Cold War Passion is now very, very hot.
And then, the United States hosts Olympic Games at Lake Placid...
They have some sort of nuances of Cold War politics in them.
David's match against Goliath featuring
US team consisting of experienced college players
against the Soviet veteran team
Everywhere is considered as the best hockey team in the world.
United States has lost a trial match
against the Soviets, 10-3, several weeks before the Olympics took place.
The defeat shows the level of skill difference between the two teams.
Excitement, tension starts to build up.
The Olympic Center is full.
In the sense of politics or nationality, I'm sure this match is being watched
with different perspectives, but this is still a hockey match.
United States and Soviet Union above the ice sheet
in Lake Placid, New York.
This is where we are, when the game is in progress.
The Soviet Union is dressed in red and the United States has a white costume.
It's been 20 years since the American team defeated the Soviets.
Pavelich feeds forward to Schneider. Power punch! Sign in!
A champion!
The United States has balanced this match!
A few months ago, were you sure this match could be won?
A really reckless blunder.
A reckless blunder and an unusual by Tretiak.
This is Tretiak on the bench.
Places that are rarely occupied.
He has been replaced by Zhluktov.
Zhluktov, number 22, who passed to Makarov.
Craig makes a rescue.
He shoots and scores!
4-3, the United States leads.
Seized by Ramsey.
There is McClanahan there. puck - it's still loose.
Eleven seconds. Only 10 seconds left.
Countdown is ongoing now.
Morrow is far to Silk.
Only 5 seconds left!
Do you believe in miracles? Yes!
Cannot be trusted
USA! USA! USA!
USA! USA!
We're number one. We are great. US is great!
Destiny.
And tell the whole team that we are really proud of them They passed it like a real champion.
That's a big win, you know, for everyone,
and I think that proves that it's our way of life is the right way to proceed.
Very heavy at that time.
You should believe Soviet authorities are not happy.
The government will certainly take care of everything.
... if they don't see an opportunity...
What price do they pay there?
Finally, tonight, from across the ocean, is a story about hockey.
A team in the Soviet Union is still struggling with
loss of title.
There are a number of changes that have occurred.
After the Olympics,
Tikhonov fired several veteran players.
That's wrong.
All these people, all of these support staff,
This is the team that brings success.
not him.
After the match, the workload increased dramatically.
Until there are players whose urine is bleeding.
We practice 4 times a day in the summer.
Four times.
We work with a heart rate of 220.
Can you imagine? 220.
Players must stay in a kind of hockey camps,
isolated for 11 months a year.
And they may only go out maybe one weekend every month.
You win by practicing tirelessly.
The coach must repeat this tradition.
A coach must find points
pressure to get maximum results.
That is giving gifts and punishments, like animal trainers.
To get the best results from trained wild animals
You have to force it a little.
Do I respect him?
As my coach? Yes.
As a person? Not.
The Soviet team has recovered after the defeat of America,
1980 in Lake Placid.
Well, there's not much left over from the 1980 team Fetisov, some star players are still there,
but the rest is completely rebuilt.
You must be born as a goalkeeper.
I am a destroyer.
I ruined the opponent's plan.
Vladislav Tretiak in the goal.
The best goalkeeper in the world.
Tretiak is almost invincible.
The best goalkeeper ever in this game.
Tikhonov has been given ready-made items.
Tarasov has created star players.
Praise should be given to Tarasov because he was the creator of the five series.
They are the best in that mass.
... is the driving force of the Soviet team.
When the five people were together, no one knew how they played.
On the left wing, number 24, Sergei Makarov.
He is the most dangerous player in the world.
Makarov's magic and skill,
who herded the puck and then swung it away.
He is able to score goals from anywhere, anytime.
He is the top scorer in our hockey history.
And they score!
On the right wing, number nine, Vladimir Krutov.
He is a Russian tank.
Krutov's, the height is only 5'9
but it weighs almost 200 pounds ( 90.72 kg )
He is the soul of the five series.
In the middle, number 11, Igor Larionov.
Igor is the professor.
I want to ask. Why is he nicknamed "The Professor"?
Because he is thin like this.
Not an actual professor, but a nerd.
Thin but hard.
That made many people deceived.
Number 7, Alexei Kasatonov.
He is my best friend.
Seven and two, Fetisov and Kasatonov.
They have played together a long time ago.
to the extent that they know each other's movements instinctively.
And when one comes in, the others follow,
and how it works for them.
Fetisov to Kasatonov.
Direct shot, enter!
He's a teammate. roommate.
I have considered my brother Alex.
My mother cooks for her.
and my grandfather like his grandfather too.
It's hard to find a closer relationship between these two men.
Alex is probably the most complete defender ever.
I'm sure he (Slava) is the best defender in hockey history.
Number two, Viacheslav Fetisov.
Slava is our leader, of course.
The way to slide, the character.
And he was dropped by Fetisov.
Fetisov shows good strength.
6'1 205 pounds. He is not a dwarf player.
Tikhonov came from the politburo and said:
"Slava, I have good news.
" You will be captain of the Soviet national team.
I said, "Thanks, but not me."
He said, "Are you stupid?"
I said, "No."
But when I talk about it with friends,
they said, "We want you to be our captain."
I said, "Okay."
Why did they choose me, I don't know.
But I became the youngest captain of the national team ever.
In Soviet hockey games, players are always together.
Five series.
They like to maintain the attack line and the two defenders that are there
as long as possible.
In our daily lives we are close friends.
I say yes, they are good people, generous and always ready to help
We always support each other.
As a person, what are they like?
We are all in the same reality, you know?
We celebrate birthdays, family events.
We go to the restaurant together. Spend vacation.
We are all the same.
But do they read, have hobbies?
how are their personalities?
We are the same.
Why do you keep asking the same question?
They are already right from the start.
They trust each other and they have a lot of pride.
And they will make history as the best five series of all time...
They have the sixth sense around them.
They have eyes behind their heads.
Sometimes you can feel without even seeing.
your partner must be there.
Soviet players really have been perfect in the movement.
They move like one body.
Geez, a fascinating game from the Soviets!
Fetisov is the second highest scorer,
even though he is only a defender.
He will go up front and Makarov will backward
They score!
Everything is like this.
Opponents don't know which one to close.
turning back, Fetisov, Larionov, Makarov.
He scored!
The goals they created are goals from fast movement.
Everything touches the puck.
Their level of playing ability is extraordinary.
They managed to lift hockey into an art form.
No one can match them.
What they do in the arena...
Yes, they are the best.
The Soviet Union has beaten the Canadian team.
8-1 in the Canadian Cup.
And the crowd here in the stands, has become very quiet.
when Scotty Bowman could only be stunned.
We have Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, Gilbert Perreault.
But they beat us battered.
We don't imagine it.
They have beaten the Islanders, the Boston Bruins,
and now the Jersey Devils.
A team from the Soviet has defeated
defending champion Stanley Cup. For the first time.
They have made aggregate against their opponents to 42-5.
The Soviets are the best team in the world.
Gold medal, just give it to the Russians. Send them home.
- You can't see better. - He scores!
Well, you know, The Russians are very nice.
One person and one goalkeeper to conquer.
Postponing it. Krutov scored.
That's how to solve it.
You will not see which is sweeter than that, brothers.
You can't compete with it.
Too difficult.
When the Giant Red Engine is running, is very difficult to stop it
This is the big match.
So, here we are, in the gold medal match.
between Czechoslovakia against the Soviet Union.
For the Soviets, this match is very, very important Because they did not succeed in obtaining a medal at Lake Placid in 1980.
And if the Czechs take it from them this time,
surely there will be a big shock in the Soviet hockey world.
When competing in the 1984 Olympics, USSR has never lost even in 2 years (wew)
Larionov is here, number 11.
Postponing it. getting ready.
There is Kasatonov.
Return to Larionov.
Larionov was urged.
Krutov put it from behind the net.
Makarov stands right in front of the goal.
Ada Krutov.
Back to back, now for Fetisov.
Fetisov manages the attack. Glide forward.
Krutov scored!
Krutov! 2-0 now for the Soviets!
That is the biggest moment of my life.
My childhood dreams come true.
I managed to get this gold medal.
I'm the happiest person in the world.
My brother, his name is Anatoly.
I think he will be one of the best attackers in this game.
She's like a child to me.
Our age is almost 10 years.
He was killed in a car accident in 1985.
I was the one who brought the car at that time.
Being in such a situation,
I don't want to live anymore.
I share everything with them all.
All exercises, all happiness and sadness,
Defeat and victory, all positive things,
and negative things too.
Andrei Khomutov gets the news that his father will die soon.
He came to Tikhonov and said,
"Viktor, can I go visit my father?"
He said, "No.
You have to prepare for the next match."
Andrei has never seen his father again.
It's hard for me to imagine
that Tikhonov can do something like that.
Players often wonder, "What is all this for?
" Why do you have to get the maximum number?
"Maybe we should take a break."
That's impossible.
They were in the camp for 11 months.
Training camp.
And 36 nights, at home.
They never went outside the camp.
We always oppose Tikhonov to let us stay at home.
But he said, "This is the style of my team.
" And this is the style of Soviet sport, in the Soviet Union.
I'm alone in the apartment.
And when he called me
there seems to be a long queue behind it,
and everyone is listening.
Because there is only one telephone and there are about 25 people there.
We discuss, The Russian 5,
and said, "Can we deliberately lose at the next World Championship?
" Maybe they will kick us out of the team.
"And we can live more properly."
I tell you, many times we ask ourselves,
"Why do you suffer so much?
" Why play for people who don't respect us as humans? "
In Soviet times,
individuals must be totally obedient
and must not argue.
And if he tries to argue, his career will end.
So much competition and you've never been home.
At first, I go home and Dima doesn't recognize me.
I will ask him, "Where is your father?"
And he will show me photos.
Your youth is wasted.
New year's eve, vacation days, birthdays...
You're just alone with the team,
without your wife and child. It is hard life.
At age 32, I feel old and drained.
I want the freedom to practice alone, or stop playing.
So I was forced to go outside.
There are many disappointments
which was then felt in the Soviet Union.
In 1985, the stagnant economy of the Soviet Union was no longer able to compete with the Western economy For more than 70 years,
The Soviet Union is a closed society And the Iron Curtain is a reality.
Beliefs that have taken root so long
which really binds the country,
deep convictions and ideals contained within them, fading away.
Realizing the crisis in his country, General Secretary Gorbachev proposed reforms which came to be known as "Perestroika" & "Glastnost." "Reordering" & "Openness".
Dear compatriots, delegates,
A new democratic era is underway
These reforms meant freedom that had never been felt before for Soviet people.
Do you think people realize that this is the end of the Cold War?
What is the Cold War?
Cold War.
No, I know. What is the Cold War?
What is that war about?
Regarding money?
Regarding business?
Of course, it could be. Do you think so?
For resources?
I think so.
Nothing else?
I think only because of fear.
What are you afraid of?
National security, maybe, right?
That trick.
The sports world has heard of the arrival of Russians.
Namely, that some world class athletes
those in the Soviet Union will be allowed to come west.
become a professional player and get a big fee.
Soviet athletes are being targeted a lot.
The New Jersey Devils have offered defender Viacheslav Fetisov
half a million dollars only for one year with the blue line.
We think their presence will improve quality for the entire NHL (National Hockey League).
The only reason these bosses are well-dressed and well-off
considering selling players
is that they have been notified by the politburo that their large budget must be deducted.
Sales of defender Fetisov to New Jersey is one way out.
This is not something the officials want to do,
but in this clash between capitalism and socialism,
money is proven to have a big appeal.
And if you are a Soviet player, and you see what is for you,
besides this gloom.
And then they realized, "Oh my
" Look at what the teams and players in the NHL have and see the money they get,
"and cars and homes and holidays."
Then you will desperately want to get out of here.
Tikhonov returned from the Politburo to the training camp and said,
"Slava, if you perform well in Calgary, at the Olympics, you win a gold medal,
"You will be the first Soviet player to go play in the NHL.
I said," Okay. "
The face of the Soviet Union, Slava Fetisov.
That is the captain of the Soviet Union,
Viacheslav Fetisov ,
is representing his team on the podium here.
I'm very happy.
When landing in Moscow, they called me to the Ministry.
They pinned me to the Kremlin, The Lenin Award.
The biggest award in the country. And then I was called for private talks between three people:
Minister of Sports, Tikhonov and myself.
When the Minister said, "Slava, you finally deserve it. " We will release you. Good luck and we expect all the best for you. "
And he said," Am I right, Viktor? "
Do you know what Viktor said?
" Yeah, you're right. But I need him for another year. "
" Because we can't replace him. "
He said," January 2, we competed in the Super Series against New Jersey.
"And we promised you after the match against New Jersey,
" You will finish next season on the NHL. "
Fetisov won it again.
The defender is the top scorer.
Four times Player of the Year.
Fetisov right there, he scored!
Red Army leads 4 - 0.
Will Slava Fetisov come to NHL?
Maybe he will stay here.
Now?
not now, as soon as possible.
See what happened? in public, he said "He may leave."
But inside, not behind me, in front of me, he said, "No."
What is the current status regarding this issue?
We keep hearing the word yes, and then we hear no and then we hear maybe...
Well, really, the status is now,
depends on the Soviet government.
Slava Fetisov wants to be here,
and he wants to play in the NHL.
But really, we have no power over the current situation
and Fetisov.
Lou Lamoriello, take me around New York.
He said, "Slava, I know now that they will not let you go."
He said, "This is life. " You should live here. "
So when Lou asked you to run away, did you consider it?
No.
I can't run away from my country.
I can't
doing something illegal.
When I returned, I held a press conference.
And I said, "I will never play for the Tikhonov team again."
"Because they tricked me."
Fetisov is out of the Red Army Club
"I am tired of the dictator Tikhonov regime." "I don't want to play for a coach I don't trust."
On the news day out,
our phone stopped ringing.
Our acquaintances stopped talking to us.
Sports facilities in the country,
none of them let me in.
You come there, people know you, they admire you.
They lower their heads and say,
"No, Slava. You can't come and practice here.
" No, if we allow you, they will kill us. "
Agents are placed in their social circle
so we know the situation is from inside. These people are just pawns on the chessboard. When you sit at home and you know
some cars are parked near your entrance,
and they will follow you,
and they will try to listen. If you meet someone, what are you talking about? What's the worst thing they can do?
Whatever.
Whatever. If they try to put Slava in jail, what do you think?
Did they do anything?
In Kiev.
What happened?
What happened...
They tried to put Slava in a car and took it to the police station.
They handcuffed them, and tied the handcuffs to the battery
and they beat him until 4 am
When they called Tikhonov and Tikhonov came and picked him up,
That's when we heard when Tikhonov shouted,
"Do anything, then put him in jail."
"Don't let him get out of the country."
Because there is no place to practice, Fetisov visited Anatoli Tarasov...
If Slava won't join the team, what are your next actions?
Most likely, we will all refuse to participate in the championship,
All three of you. Who else joins you?
There are a number of other people who will support us.
Krutov defended me,
with my teammates, Makarov and Larionov.
Krutov is always silent.
When you see the situation becoming precarious,
he came forward.
And from him, when he said something,
that sounds different when you rarely talk. His words are really strong.
Do you mind, just tell the story?
This is very important because it is very personal...
That's all.
Slava leaves.
I stay and play.
It's surprising to me that
Alex Kasatonov disagrees with other children on TV.
You know, my good friend Say, "No, I'm not coming."
So that's really a big surprise.
It's a long story.
Yes but you know...
That is my country's story, I think.
He said in public that my actions were leaving the team incorrect.
He took the position of Tikhonov coach in this situation.
That's the funny thing.
You are close friends. I mean, I want to know, roughly... you know...
This is not the time.
Sorry.
Continue.
The following question.
special departments are formed within the KGB.
Do you want to say something?
Open your glasses.
You won't be able to see me with dark glasses.
Come on, they're transparent.
I can see you well.
Look at the sun.
I just did it. I've seen it.
I have sunglasses too.
The color is white.
Like this white color.
Continue.
When does everything start to fall apart?
Maybe it starts because
incident with Mogilny.
Number 14 is Alexander Mogilny.
Many NHL scouts say
he is the best U-19 hockey player in the world.
I asked Mogilny if he would consider playing in the NHL.
I like it, but I think it's more interesting
playing in the Soviet Union.
Okay, what if we offer you one million dollars in cash?
Then, do you want to come and play in the NHL?
The Soviet team was there, taking part in the tournament,
and they wake up early and Mogilny is gone.
The escape begins with a telephone call
to the NHL team manager, Buffalo Sabers.
Are you in Sweden to issue it?
No. What do you mean to say I'm going to Sweden to get him out?
I was in Sweden to meet him, on his request.
Mogilny is considered a traitor,
especially because he was a Soviet soldier.
He ran away, they said.
But that's actually something...
How do you say it... illegal.
Here, people enjoy life.
Everyone has his own house, his own car,
But that's not the point.
Here, people live for themselves.
And there, I live like a wild dog.
Why is the government really paying attention if there are hockey players running away?
Well...
It's hard to talk about hockey separately.
Talking about it is not the same as,
"Oh my God! The hockey players go!"
The regime won't see it like that.
One escape, can provoke more escape.
This is a big threat to the Soviet forces.
Politically, every time something like that happens,
and reported in the media,
then that is a victory for Westerners
and defeat for the Soviet Union.
Authority in Soviet sports and hockey authority,
they realize that it is far better for them, for the system,
to let players join the NHL.
without the opportunity to escape,
only because it can damage the country's image.
Then they start negotiating.
They say, "Okay, it seems that the highest authority agrees to let you go.
" But you have to understand. You will give $ 1000 a month.
"No matter how big your contract is.
" You have to bring the money to the embassy... "
I said," You can't. I don't want to go. "
" I mean, are you crazy? "
They say," You're crazy. "
I said," Okay. "
They called me again a few days later and said , "Slava,
"You get special permission from the politburo.
" Because you are so good for hockey, for the national team,
"and you were the captain, then we will give you 10% of your salary
" This is a special offer for you from us.
"There is no need for anyone to know about that 10% part."
I said, "No."
Then it rises to 20%.
Then 25%.
They called my mother. They called my wife. They try to scare them both.
Mom says, "Son, people call mama. They say you have no choice. " They won't let you go. They will do something bad for you.
You don't fight again. "
And Igor Larionov signed an agreement and left.
Russians are now here.
Igor Larionov, midfielder,
Vancouver, a playmaker.
The NHL pays the Soviet Union to allow Igor
and other Soviet veteran players to play here.
Soviet player in NHL
must submit a large chunk of their contract to their country which is starving for cash.
But for the Larionov family, it was all worth it.
In Moscow, everything is different If they lose, they may not go home.
He is happy with the 50/50 division with the system.
Who, Igor?
Igor, and Sergei and Vladimir.
They are happy with the distribution of 50/50.
I said, "No."
And I'm alone.
They say, "What do you want?"
I said, "I want my contract."
The problem is that this player's life survives controlled by the Soviet Ministry of Defense.
Fetisov is an officer in the armed forces and plays for his main team.
The team is clear. Tikhonov explained it.
And all they are waiting for is the Minister of Defense.
Yazov. Dmitry Yazov.
Minister of Defense.
The second most powerful person in the country.
They called me to the Ministry of Defense.
Trying to set me up.
They told me to wear my uniform.
The office is very big.
He said, "America? This is my enemy.
" There's no way you go to America. "
He said," You don't want to play?
"You won't play again, anywhere, however."
I suddenly realized. I have to do something.
I have to get results from this visit.
Because I know I will never return here.
Never.
Will not.
I said, "Mr. Minister,
"If you do as you promised, then you are not a Minister. You are not an officer. " I was released from the army.
"Thank you very much."
I turned and left.
He screamed, screaming.
"You... damn. Do you want to play for our enemy?
" Do you know what I will do to you? I will send you to Siberia. You will never go out. "
But I never turned around.
I went.
You know?
In 10 days, they gave me a passport,
and I was released from the army.
Entry visa for some of the first jobs to the United States
Wait a minute. Back.
I don't understand why Yazov let you go if he gets mad at you?
I'm not a historian.
My feeling is that the country is trying to change
something because at that time it was during Perestroika.
But he doesn't want change.
Everyone is afraid. That is understandable.
It's like being in a dark room,
try to catch a black cat.
You know, it's not funny.
OK.
You will go and play with the hockey style of our nation.
Skill that is skillful and effective.
You will be great.
Coach's Corner with Don Cherry.
You look happy. What is wrong?
You know, I used to want to come here and be a good person, you know?
First show, don't mention Russian people and you know, and all that stuff
And to be full, you know, "We will let them come here." Can not!
I don't want them here!
The players don't want them here.
And you will regret that they are here.
Nobody likes me in the United States.
No one knows what I've experienced.
They will think with suspicion.
I am a bad person, a communist.
They talked about Soviet people who came here and played here.
Will some players get annoyed about that?
This will be a touching situation, you know,
because you don't like to see players on your team losing their jobs
and if they come, there will be two empty positions in the player list.
A punch was made by Clark to Fetisov,
who did not reply.
Fetisov looks like, "you can't do this."
Like not believing when Clark started beating him.
Let's see again.
When I walk in my wife's seat, it feels like
I'm sitting in one corner,
and the others are sitting in the other corner
and looking at me and speaking their language.
I don't understand what they are talking about.
Seeing me again.
Laugh and see and talk.
And I thought, "What are they talking about?"
I don't know.
The coach hates Russians. Looks like when he sees you, he hates you.
How can you play for people who hate you
because you are a Soviet?
Hockey here is a brutal game
with elbows...
The stick is raised high and the game is individualistic.
There is no style.
It's very simple to play it.
They are not creative.
This is the worst team in the league.
Someone is open and they tackle you
And you fell down.
They look at you like you've never played before.
Life challenges me all the time.
Suddenly, he was recruited by The New Jersey Devils.
... there, Kasatonov.
Kasatonov, he is a bit outrageous, I think by Fetisov.
He is a good hockey player.
Did you tell the trainers, for example, "Listen, I can't play with this person.
" I mean, I really can't do it. "
Nobody cares about your relationship.
They contracted it We have to play. It's not friendship anymore. It's no longer team spirit. It's a kind of competition. It feels heavy, trust me.
Fetisov and Kasatonov,
good friends outside arena, defense partner on the arena,
I came to the United States to play hockey.
Not to get involved in nonsense like this.
Welcome to the big league, Vladimir.
Krutov was hit hard. He fell over.
Soviets in the big league have problems.
They are too old or too slow.
They are too confused in the arena and tend to fantasize too much They tend to pass when they should shoot,
and that makes the original people nervous.
They didn't come here to dance the Bolshoi Ballet.
This is a new experience for me
playing for the losing team.
I asked the fans to be patient.
Staying in the NHL doesn't work smoothly for me.
But it's okay, I think.
Above all, my life went smoothly. I think everything is fine.
When you come from the system
where your days are set,
and that's what these hockey players experienced,
and then you...
You come to a completely different environment where you are expected to be able to set
and live your own life, you become lost.
I am 36.
And they sold me from New Jersey to Detroit.
Do you miss Larionov, Krutov, Makarov?
Of course.
We spent so many years playing and living together
You miss the people who were close to you.
I thought, "My God. I did something wrong."
"You have been successful. You have always been at the top. " Now you are a loser? "
Do you think the game here is more fun?
I went out of the locker room and saw my wife I was crying. I said, "Why are you crying?"
He said, "Oh maybe this is our last chance."
I said, "No."
We have two choices:
Pack and go home
or keep fighting.
Not satisfied with Perestroika, Defense Minister Dmitry Yazov led a military coup.
Hundreds of tanks belonging to the Soviet army, moving into the streets of Moscow,
but the coup will not run without resistance.
The coup failed, but the government is weak
... is something that is certainly not anticipated
in this form, as soon as this.
Their level of change and readiness
certainly not anticipated.
I hereby announce my resignation as President of the USSR.
An end has been put on the Cold War era and an arms race,
and crazy militarization of this country.
The threat of a nuclear war is over.
With Gorbachev's resignation, the Soviet Union was divided.
Russia becomes its own state together with 14 other states.
I wish you all the best.
I know how good they were. I have seen them compete.
Bobby, Soviet people, they never stopped skating.
They always move.
Their hockey style disturbs our goalkeepers and defender because you know, you're used to playing in one particular way,
and then suddenly, the opposing camp did something different.
Canadians are trapped in the middle of the Soviet vortex.
Scotty Bowman is a coach with wins most than anyone in NHL history
At first we had three players who came at almost the same time
Konstantinov, Fedorov and Kozlov.
We are able to shop and get Igor Larionov.
And once we got the fourth member from the Russian player,
We said, "Let's find one more."
We need a defender, and we got Slava Fetisov.
At that time he was 37 or 38.
You could say we made a fortune by buying it.
When they join together.
and they determine their own type of game,
we were really surprised by ourselves.
And the Soviet symphony was playing.
They keep crossing.
And they pass many times in their own area.
If they don't see an opportunity to score,
they return the puck back and set another attack,
They play in a completely different style.
Gather again in the same team.
It feels like the fish is released back into the water.
You can't guess what they will do next.
You suddenly become young and enjoy the game.
Around the arena, Russian seems to be a second language
Many people complain about this.
For me, I'm not... They're playing for us and they're good.
No, sir! And he was dropped by Fetisov.
I'm not really able to learn the system, as much as I want,
but I just let them do what they want to do.
Scotty comes to the locker room and says,
"Guys, I don't know who taught you to play like this,
" but I want to ask for one thing.
"Don't change anything."
... in game one in the Stanley Cup final...
I immediately started looking for Igor.
And I said, "Igor, we will go together."
That's really an American dream, you know?
After that, I went to Gary Bettman. I said, "Gary, I want to take his prize to Moscow."
He said, "Are you crazy? We will not let the trophy be brought to Moscow.
" There is a mob. It's a bad country. "
I said," Look, I want the trophy to be in Moscow. "
He said," Slava, that's impossible. "
I said," What do you mean it's impossible? "
It's great to be able to go home.
For me, the Red Army Club is home, of course.
I started here when I was 8 years old,
and I left when I was 31.
It's weird . When you were born in the Soviet Union,
and you leave one country and when you come back it's already another country.
It's uncomfortable, you know?
When I returned to Moscow,
Moscow has been very different.
Different mentalities.
Different cultures.
Different... Everything is different.
Capitalism has planted its roots here... no doubt,
and some people become rich.
But some problems may get worse.
In Moscow and Leningrad,
many who secretly make illicit money.
Operates outside official boundaries
sometimes more effective than operating in it.
Russians don't like corruption in this country.
They feel they are not protected by the court.
They feel that the police are just ordinary police officers,
which can do whatever they want to you.
The country does not have a hero. Don't have a system.
No structure. Nothing.
Everyone goes around trying to get something.
This is not the life I want to live.
Everything is always about the material side: money, finance.
The crisis in our country is now reflected in hockey.
With the first selection, the Atlanta Thrashers
happy to choose from Russian Division I,
Spartak Moscow...
Ilya Kovalchuk.
Nail Yakupov.
Alexander Ovechkin.
Teams only have very little money to prevent players from going
Yo, this is Alexander Ovechkin. I'll go to the red carpet.
Since 1989, more than 500 Russian players have been contracted
We like forgetting about patriotism.
We are ashamed of ourselves.
We will test the accuracy of the shot from Alexander Ovechkin
by filling these dolls with Russian makeup,
and he will destroy them with these hockey balls.
We lost something.
We lost our pride.
We lost...
our soul.
But do you prefer that everything return to the former Soviet Union again?
You know, like, do you prefer
none of that happened, even though you left?
Gabe...
That's not the right question.
I'm a politician now.
That's my feeling 20 years ago right?
I was sad at that time.
I competed for this country for years.
I am proud to play and captain the national team.
When Putin invited me, it was 2002.
it's been 11 years not the Soviet Union anymore.
President Putin said, "Slava, enough already.
" Going home. "
Vladimir Putin gave me the position of Minister of Sports.
Sport must be a way of life.
I am just a small person in the middle of the system is big, but I tried to do my best.
The people who run this country,
were born in the Soviet Union, studied in Soviet schools,
former members of Komsomol.
They were created, forged by the Soviet system.
That's them. Most of the problems are still in the past.
And they won't leave... like this.
It's really a lot of work.
24 working hours. Every day.
You know, we have a lot of problems.
I have to build infrastructure.
I have to make money.
I have to think for my community now.
Children, veterans...
Trying to build something good from what already exists.
We build junior leagues.
We built 300 new skating rinks.
We brought the Olympics to Sochi.
We are happy to return to our country...
I think the country and the people here need us.
Alex Kasatonov has also returned to Russia to become vice president of the Red Army Hockey Club.
Alex was appointed as club vice president by Minister of Sports Slava Fetisov.
We have gone through many things.
and I'm happy now we're like brothers again.
A very close friend.
We are friends.
It's important to embrace people who have gone through a lot of things with you, next to you It's better than looking for someone else.
We are still friends.
And when we play, we are even closer.
I dream about how we used to play together.
Vladimir Krutov died a month after recording this interview.
Sergei Makarov & Igor Larionov now work as agents for Russian players who want to play in North America.
Vladislav Tretiak is now a member of DUMA Russia and President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation... He never played in the NHL
First, a big round of applause for this great Russian coach.
The word "great" is not enough to describe this great coach!
Unfortunately, Viktor says, he is unable to speak today.
Victor Tikhonov refused to be interviewed for this film.
The most important thing for me
is emphasizing on children how important team-mates are.
How important it is to do things together.
To be proud of the team you defend.
"A great athlete cannot depend only on himself." Anatoli Tarasov
I played 23 years as a professional player.
More than 1800 matches.
I've never been happier when playing with these five people
When you die, this will be your inheritance.
I know and I appreciate it. You are a good person.
I'm lucky to have you.
I think we are both lucky because we have each other.
That's better.
California guys, and nice people.
Chicago.
Translated by Dhekoz_163 (Sorry if there was an error...)