For My Country

"I wanted to share the Stanley cup with the people of Russia" (pg 41)

At the beginning of the book it talks about the top hall of famers, and on that list is Igor Larionov, he played for the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998 and 2002. Igor was called the "Wayne Gretzky of Soviet Hockey" (pg 42). What the average person does not seem to know is that Larionov fought the Soviet system on behalf of Russian hockey players to be able to play in the NHL. Claims were that they were being treated more like servants then human beings Igor demanded freedom. He was one of the highlights in Soviet hockey making the breaking point and made it possible for Russians to play in the NHL. He therefore he says this quote because he wants to prove to Fetisov (the Russian Coach who wouldn't let them play in the NHL) what he is all about and also to show that Russia can make an impact on a relatively North American Sport.