Vladimir Konstantinov is a retired professional ice hockey player from Russia who spent his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings.
Before joining the Red Wings, he formerly played for Soviet club CSKA Moscow. He is still well-liked by NHL fans since he is a famous ice hockey player.
The Red Wings have not formally retired Konstantinov’s #16 jersey. However, out of courtesy to Konstantinov, no player has been awarded the number since.
The famous Detroit Red Wings defenseman is most known for helping his club to the Stanley Cup in 1997, which unfortunately happened to be his final season due to a tragic limousine collision.
Vladimir Konstantinov Accident: What Happened To Ice Hockey Player?
Vladimir Konstantinov was a Red Wings fan favorite and all-star. In 1997, only days after the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, limousine driver Richard Gnida smashed into a tree in Birmingham while high on marijuana.
The event occurred six days after the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 42 years. On June 13, 1997, Konstantinov, Viacheslav Fetisov, and the Red Wings team masseuse Sergei Mnatsakanov went golfing to celebrate the Wings’ Stanley Cup victory.
The accident caused him to end his rising ice hockey career. He had suffered from terrible brain traumas and paralysis, but his health had improved steadily over the years.
Where Is Vladimir Konstantinov Now?
The former Russian-American ice hockey player, Vladimir resides in his home in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with the assistance of Beaumont Hospital and Arcadia Home Care and Staffing.
He has been able to live in his own house with 24-hour care for the past 25 years. He regularly receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical care. Because of his paralysis and life-long brain injuries, he requires constant medical attention.
Vladimir Konstantinov Wife
Former Red Wings player Vladimir married his wife Irina Konstantinov in Russia. The pair have a daughter named Anastasia Konstantinova.
Due to the cold war between the Soviets and the USA, he had trouble traveling back and forth to play with Detroit Red Wings. The player and his family moved to the USA in 1991.
Irina lives with her husband in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Both mother-daughter speak to the media and the public about Vladimir’s legacy and health.
Anastasia, the player’s daughter, established the Go Fund Me fundraising trust in the hopes of raising cash to provide him with additional and supplemental care, comfort, support, maintenance, and education, including vocational, rehabilitative, or technical training.