Celebrating a Legend
The Detroit Red Wings celebrated their centennial season with a momentous tribute to legendary forward Sergei Fedorov, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and Hall of Fame inductee, by retiring his iconic No. 91 jersey at Little Caesars Arena. Fedorov is admired not just for his contributions to the Red Wings but as one of the NHL’s most exhilarating players, known for his extraordinary speed, exceptional playmaking skills, and captivating style. As fans celebrated, Fedorov took a moment to reflect on valuable lessons learned from the legendary coach Scotty Bowman.
The Dramatic Defection
However, the younger generation of hockey fans may not fully recognize the dramatic backstory of Fedorov’s and his teammate Vladimir Konstantinov‘s daring defection from the Soviet Union, an event often described as straight out of a spy novel. The Red Wings had drafted Fedorov in the fourth round of the 1989 NHL Draft while he played for CSKA Moscow, where he was teammates with Konstantinov, whose draft number was significantly later in the same round.
The Role of Keith Gave
The mission to orchestrate their defection was largely spearheaded by Keith Gave, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience covering the Red Wings during those pivotal years. Having reported on the team since 1985, Gave was well-acquainted with the unfolding situation as the Red Wings began to bring in players from the Soviet Union. He was approached by Jim Lites, the executive vice president of the Red Wings at the time, who saw potential in Gave’s unique position as both a reporter and a Russian linguist after spending years with the National Security Agency.
During an unexpected lunch meeting, Lites shared his concerns and optimism about Fedorov and Konstantinov’s potential to defect. Initially hesitant due to the risks involved, Gave pondered the possibility after reflecting on his past experiences. He eventually decided that, with careful planning, he could facilitate communication between the players and the Red Wings.
The Plan Unfolds
As fate would have it, the Soviet national team was set to hold their training camp in Finland, presenting the perfect opportunity for Gave to use his credentials and expertise to get close to the players. He crafted letters detailing the Red Wings’ interest, promising lucrative contracts that not only offered salaries on par with the team captain, Steve Yzerman, but also annual payments for their families that were generous by Soviet standards.
Upon arriving in Helsinki, Gave faced logistical challenges to reach the venue where the Soviet players were. After some trouble, he found himself at the right place just as Fedorov and Konstantinov were arriving. With his media credentials, he managed to gain access despite initial hesitations from the promoters regarding how the players might respond. Eventually, he got close enough to introduce himself and reveal the life-changing news about their NHL draft selection.
As he presented the players with their media guides, he slipped in the letters urging them to consider defection. In a tense but pivotal moment, Fedorov discreetly concealed the note behind his back, signaling to Gave that he understood the implications.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Gave hastily said his goodbyes and left, immediately feeling the weight of what had just transpired as he navigated the city with caution, worried about the repercussions for the young players.
A Historic Move
In the subsequent months, the groundwork laid by Gave bore fruit. Less than a year later, Fedorov was safely escorted to America by Lites after participating in the Goodwill Games in Portland. Gave received a call that set the stage for a sensational headline: a Soviet defector in the NHL. Juggling deadlines, he feverishly crafted the story that would spotlight Fedorov’s historic move to North America.
Fedorov’s impact in the NHL was immediate, boasting impressive rookie statistics and later securing the Hart Trophy. Meanwhile, Konstantinov’s emergence as a formidable defenseman contributed significantly to the team’s success, culminating in three Stanley Cup victories. Together, they formed part of the renowned “Russian Five” alongside other iconic players, cementing their legacy in Red Wings history.
Legacy and Reflection
Without Gave’s courageous initiative and strategic communication, the story of Fedorov and Konstantinov might have played out very differently, with profound implications for both players and the franchise. Their journey is recounted in Gave’s book, “The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage,” offering a detailed look into this extraordinary chapter of hockey lore.
