Igor Larionov — hockey ("the professor") with roots in the USSR
Igor Larionov is a Russian former professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest centres in NHL history. Known as 'The Professor' for his cerebral playmaking, he was a key member of the famous Soviet KLM Line and won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings.
Tracing the roots — Voskresensk
Born in Voskresensk, a hockey-obsessed industrial city near Moscow, in 1960, Larionov developed through the Soviet club system and became the central playmaker of the legendary CSKA Moscow team. He famously defied Soviet sports authorities to emigrate to the NHL — a rebellion that helped open the door for a generation of Russian players.
Voskresensk. At the time, this region was one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union.
A career defined by ambition
"Hockey is like chess. The pieces move fast, but the game is won in your head."