Vitaly Erfilov has passed away

Vitaly Erfilov, an honoured Russian ice hockey coach who helped the likes of Vladislav Tretiak and Valery Kharlamov take their first steps in the sport, has passed away.

He was in the 86th year of his life.

Vitaly initially started his coaching career in 1961 with CSKA Moscow. In 1980, he coached the USSR junior national team to the gold medal of the European Championship.

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation extends its deepest condolences to Vitaly's family and friends.