Vladimir Konstantinov He is considered one of the most talented Soviet defenders in history. At the age of 30, he managed to become a three-time world champion, six-time champion of the USSR and owner of the Stanley Cup. He was part of the big Russian Five that made their debut on the ice with the Red Wings on October 27, 1995. Then his career ended tragically. He was confined to a wheelchair in 1997 after an accident during the celebration of winning the Stanley Cup. The limousine, in which Vyacheslav Fetisov and club masseur Sergey Mnatsakanov were also traveling, flew into a tree. Konstantinov suffered a brain injury and was in a coma for several months.

Then Fetisov was the luckiest, avoiding serious injuries. Initially, according to doctors, Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov had little chance of survival. But they survived. A year later, Vladimir will touch the second Stanley Cup, but he is already sitting in a wheelchair.

“Vladdy was a motivator even though it was very heavy. The next season did not let us down, so we wanted to win the Stanley Cup again.– recalled teammate Chris Draper.

Konstantinov ended up in the NHL in 1991, making a real escape from a country that would disappear in a matter of months. To bring him, Detroit sent a medical certificate to the USSR Ministry of Defense. He showed his diagnosis: cancer, you need treatment in the United States. He was allowed to leave, and then he was able to carry his wife Irina with their two-year-old daughter Nastya.

In Detroit, the defender soon became a crowd favorite – fans admired him for his dedication, fearlessness, toughness and composure. Across the ocean, he was nicknamed Vladinator. He didn’t fight very often, but he did so many power moves that his opponents were really afraid of him. Vladimir has never won a personal award in the NHL. However, many hockey players who have played for or against him would agree that he would certainly be the first European to receive the Norris Trophy. If it weren’t for that fatal accident… The 16th point that Vladimir always played under has not been officially withdrawn from circulation in the team. However, as a sign of respect, not a single hockey player who has moved to Detroit uses it.

This year Konstantinov turned 55 years old. He lives in the suburbs of Detroit. However, until recently, relatives carefully concealed Vladimir’s condition. She still needs help walking, eating and brushing her teeth and has been cared for by a nurse for many years. He understands questions, but gives short answers, and his speech is not always immediately clear. And having lost the opportunity to play his favorite game, Konstantinov became interested in cards. And now almost every day she splits into Uno with a nurse.

This week, Vladimir can be left in need of care at home around the clock. Due to the high cost of the service and changes in Michigan law, he may be transported to a facility where his movements can be restricted and medication will be given for his safety. The family of the former defense attorney allowed Associated Press journalists into their home to bring attention to the matter.

“For the first time, we let people see the challenges we face every day. Fans see him waving at Detroit games and think he’s okay. But it isn’t.”– says his wife Irina.

Konstantinov is one of Michigan’s 18,000 people injured in traffic accidents who could lose government financial support. Faced with the threat of losing his 24-hour care, Vladimir’s family turned to GoFundMe three years ago to raise funds. But then it was not possible to collect the required amount – only 10% of the required 250 thousand dollars.

The company that provided Konstantinov’s home care costs $200,000 and will cease to operate on June 1 if the government does not cover the costs. The Detroit and NHL players’ union said they are investigating the issue and would like to help financially. I plan to organize a fundraiser to support it.

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