75 years since Igor Dmitriev's birth

The 19th of October signifies the birth of one of the best ever Soviet/Russian ice hockey coaches, Igor Dmitriev.

Before becoming a coach, Igor was an ice hockey player himself. He was a successful one too, winning the USSR championship and USSR Cup while also being eventually introduced to the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2007.

However, his greatest days were as a coach of the national team. As an assistant of the legendary Viktor Tikhonov, he helped the country to Olympic gold and two World Championships. Also, when heading the junior national side, he triumphed at the World Junior Championship.

In 1997, as the head coach of the senior team, he led Russia to the semi-finals of the World Championship. However, he was already seriously ill, and sadly, he died at the young age of 57. 

Dmitriev Igor Efimovich

Born on the 19th of October 1941

Playing career honours:

1974 USSR champion

1973 USSR championship bronze medalist

1974 USSR Cup winner

Became a member of the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2007

Coaching achievements:

1989, 1991 and 1993 USSR/MHL championship bronze medalist

1984 World Junior Championship winner

1988 and 1992 Olympic champion

1989 and 1990 world champion

1987 World Championship silver medalist

1991 World Championship bronze medalist

1981 and 1991 European champion

1987 Canada Cup finalist

Russian Ice Hockey Federation