Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Legend Fetisov Helping Out Konstantinov
Fetisov donates signed items to help raise funds for former defense partner
Back in the day, Slava Fetisov and Vladimir Konstantinov were defense partners with the Detroit Red Wings. They were teaming up at the back end of the legendary Russian Five when Detroit won the Stanley Cup in 1996-97.
Less than week after that Stanley Cup triumph, both Konstantinov and Fetisov were passengers in a limousine accident in suburban Detroit. Fetisov was able to return from his injuries, helping Detroit win the Cup again in 1997-98. However, Kosntantinov was suffering debilitating brain injuries in the crash, ending his playing career and forever changing his life.
Detroit Red Wings: the russian five https://t.co/owGS20nzTs #NHLesp #NHL pic.twitter.com/ePRob67UeW
— NHL VAVEL (@NHL_VAVEL) November 8, 2017
Certainly, Fetisov has become a polarizing figure on the international sporting and political scene. A deputy of the Russian Duma, Fetisov has been a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He’s also been taking on the IIHF and IOC over their banning of Russian athletes due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It’s resulted in Fetisov being put a list of Russian figures who were receiving bans from traveling to North America.
Fetisov Helping Raise Funds For Konsntantinov’s Care
That doesn’t mean he can’t step up and help out a friend in need. With the help of his daughter Anastasia, Fetisov is facilitating the donation of several items from his personal collection that SportsGraphing Inc. willbe selling. From these sales, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the go directly to the Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust.
The money will be helping to facilitate Konstantinov’s ongoing non-medical care. The State of Michigan is still paying his health insurance. However, much of his other therapy costs are no longer covered due to a change in the Michigan insurance laws.
Items donated by the Fetisov family include signed copies of his autobiography ($75), a booklet ($50), post cards ($50), white and red Russian national team jerseys ($200) and an autographed photo of Fetisov with Putin ($100).
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As well, there is also a signed jersey from Russian hockey legend Alexander Yakushev ($200), one of the stars of the epic 1972 Summit Series with Team Canada. Some new signed Konstantinov items are also available, including a signed Michigan Sports Hall of Fame program ($75) and a copy of the Russian Five book signed in Russian ($75).