Tending the Goals

Russian Life: Time was, NHL scouts were after you...

Vladislav Tretyak, 54, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, was one of the best hockey goalies of the 20th century, and is one of Russia’s most famous and beloved sportsmen. In an exclusive interview with Nikolai Dolgopolov, Tretyak talked about his life in sports and government. Recently elected chairman of the Russian Hockey Federation, Tretyak intends to give Russian hockey a much-needed shot in the arm. This year Moscow will host the World Ice Hockey Championships. The timing could not be better for the sport, which is stagnating here and sorely in need of reform. The last time Russia won a gold medal in world competition was 1992. Relations with the NHL are at a low ebb and the legendary hockey club Spartak was dissolved last year due to financial problems. Tretyak has his work cut out for him.