Viacheslav Fetisov Александрович Фетисов, Vjačeslav (Slava) Aleksandrovič Fetisov; born April 20, 1958, in Moscow, Soviet Union now Russia) is an ice hockey defenseman, considered one of the best defensemen of all time, a long-time captain for the Soviet Union national team. With Igor Larionov, he was instrumental in breaking the barrier that stopped Soviet players from joining the NHL. Fetisov was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001. On the international stage, Fetisov is one of the most decorated players ever, winning two golds (1984, 1988) and one silver (1980) in the Olympics, and seven golds (1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1990), one silver (1987), and two bronzes (1985, 1991) in the World Championships. He won the Golden Hockey Stick as top European international player in 1984, 1986, and 1990. At the 2002 Olympics, he was head coach of the Russian national team, winning the bronze.
On the club level, Fetisov played for CSKA Moscow (1975-89), New Jersey Devils (1989-95) and Detroit Red Wings (1995-98). He won two Stanley Cups with Detroit (1997, 1998). After retiring as a player, Fetisov became an assistant coach with New Jersey (1999-2002), winning the Stanley Cup in 2000.
Fetisov is currently Minister of Sport in Russia.
