Another great player, Valery Ivanovich Vasilev, has passed away after valiantly battling against a long endured illness (The Voice of Russia). Valery Ivanovich patrolled the blue line for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics throughout their domination of international play during the Cold War, winning awards for best defenseman in 1973, 1977, and 1979 (The Voice of Russia). The world of hockey shall miss this hard charging blue liner who forged his name in the history of international hockey!

Here is a link that shows the highlights and history of his playing career: http://english.ruvr.ru/sport/

-Loves the Stars