The Russian Odd Couple: Hockey And Politics

When Russia suffered a humiliating quarterfinals exit from the 2010 Olympics in a 7-3 drubbing at the hands of arch rival Canada, the coaching staff of Vyacheslav Bykov and assistant Igor Zakharkin took a lot of the blame. Their old school tactics proved to be fatally obsolete despite the team's great promise. The coaches refused to change up lines or get favorable match ups, and they failed to change their clearly ineffective game plan until it was far too late.

It was so bad that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for the resignation of the Sports Minister and Olympic committee chairman as well as a complete organizational overhaul of all Olympic teams.

A few months later Russia looked to win their third straight world championship title, armed with many of the key figures from the Olympic team including the coaching staff. They only lost one game, but that was in the gold medal show down with the Czech Republic. They also looked less than great against weaker opponents like Belarus and Germany, twice.

I would have guessed for sure that would have been the end of coach Bykov right then and there. Instead he's getting congratulatory phone calls from Russian President Alexander Medvedev and a new contract from Vladislav Tretiak.

Hockey and politics have always been intertwined in Russia. And it looks like coach Bykov has played the right political cards to keep his job.

There have been complaints about his refusal to adopt NHL style tactics by many long time Russian NHL players. Players like Sergei Zubov have been left off national teams because they have led the charge to drop several uniquely Russian tactics from their game plan. They believe the classic Russian game plan, specifically the insistence to not break from the 5 man unit, must abolished.

These arguments are sacrilegious as far as old school Russian hockey people are concerned. For Russians, like for Canadians, hockey is a way of expressing national identity. Keeping to their fundamental schools of thought is what made them arguably the greatest hockey nation on the planet for many, many years. They literally changed the game is played around the world because of their hockey beliefs. The old guard believes that changing these beliefs would be like taking a stake to the heart of Russian hockey.

But at some point evolution must occur. The Russians forced the Canadians to evolve their game in the 1970s and 1980s, even if it was so painfully slowly and against our own will. And thank god they did. Perhaps Russian hockey, specifically Russian coaching tactics, will change in time for a grand unveiling at the 2014 Olympics.

The question might be is there enough political will to allow Russian hockey to fundamentally change? Judging by their decision to keep with coach Bykov's "satisfactory" ways, I'm guessing not yet.

Memories of Slava Bykov

The Montreal Gazette made me very happy on Wednesday.

Reporter Pat Hickey (no, not the former NHL player) talked about Russian reports that Vyacheslav Bykov and Igor Zakharian, the head and assistant coaches of the Russian national team, were possible coaching candidates for the Montreal Canadiens. Russian media leaks tend to be erroneous to say the least, but they have Zakharian suggesting an offer was on the table, but the Russian coaching tandem opted for oil rich Ufa of the KHL instead.

The Montreal Canadiens have had no comment. But Bykov does meet two standards for the Habs. He is fluent in French, as he learned the language while starring as a player with Fribourg in the Swiss league. He is also a very successful coach, capturing back to back world championships and leading a Russia team that many people consider the favorites to win the 2010 Olympic gold medal.

Montreal does have a lot of Russian players of late, so maybe it is not so far fetched. But Regardless of the accuracy of the Russian story and quotes, the news made me happy as it allowed me the opportunity to share some memories of my favorite Soviet player of the 1980s.

Bykov, along with Andrei Khomutov especially and later Valery Kamesnky, centered a great line of incredible chemistry. They played a smooth, uninterrupted style of game. Their hockey truly was beautiful hockey, an absolute joy to watch. Their criss-crossing skating with dazzling passing displays dizzied the best of defenses and wore down the opponents. The only thing more nimble than their feet was their hands.

I share more of my memories here with the Vyacheslav Bykov full biography.

I've also had the time to remember some other international hockey stars: Valeri Vasiliev, Erich Kuhnhackl, Alexander Maltsev, Mike Eruzione, Jimmy Foster, Bibi Torriani, and the unique story of twin brothers Frantisek and Steve Tikal.