The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage

Name: The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage
Price: 45.96 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (907 reviews)

4.70 of 5 Stars: Hockey - The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage

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Book Synopsis: When the Detroit Red Wings were rebooting their franchise after more than two decades of relative futility, they knew the best place to find world-class players who could help turn things around more quickly were conscripted servants behind the Iron Curtain. All they had to do then was make history by drafting them, then figure out how to get them out. That’s when the Wings turned to Keith Gave, the newsman whose clandestine mission to Helsinki, Finland, was the first phase of a of a years-long series of secret meetings from posh hotel rooms to remote forests around Europe to orchestrate their unlawful departures from the Soviet Union. One defection created an international incident and made global headlines. Another player faked cancer, thanks to the Wings’ extravagant bribes to Russian doctors, including a big American car. Another player who wasn’t quite ready to leave yet felt like he was being kidnapped by an unscrupulous agent. Two others were outcast when they stood up publicly against the Soviet regime, winning their freedom to play in the NHL only after years of struggle. They are the Russian Five: Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Igor Larionov. Their individual stories read like pulse-pounding spy novels. The story that unfolded after they were brought together in Detroit by the masterful coach Scotty Bowman is unforgettable. This story includes details never before revealed, and by the man who was there every step of the way – from the day Detroit drafted its first two Soviets in 1989 until they raised the Stanley Cup in 1997, then took it to Moscow for a victory lap around Red Square and the Kremlin. The Russian Five did more to bridge Russian and American relations than decades of diplomacy and détente between the White House and the Kremlin. This is their story.

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Are you ready to dive into a thrilling tale of espionage, defection, bribery, and courage? Look no further than "The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage." This captivating book takes you on a journey through the Detroit Red Wings' franchise revival, where they sought out world-class players behind the Iron Curtain. With Keith Gave as their secret weapon, the Wings orchestrated numerous clandestine meetings and unlawful departures from the Soviet Union. Get ready to uncover shocking stories of international incidents, fake illnesses, extravagant bribes, and unscrupulous agents.

The Russian Five—Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, and Igor Larionov—each have their own pulse-pounding spy novel-worthy tale. Learn about their struggles, triumphs, and how they defied the Soviet regime to gain the freedom to play in the NHL. This book is your backstage pass to the untold details and secrets of their incredible journey.

From the moment Detroit drafted its first two Soviet players in 1989 to their triumphant victory lap around Red Square and the Kremlin after winning the Stanley Cup in 1997, you'll be swept up in this unforgettable story. Author Keith Gave, who was present every step of the way, shares never-before-revealed insights that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The Russian Five's impact extends beyond the world of hockey—they played a significant role in bridging Russian and American relations. Their story is a testament to the power of sports diplomacy, overshadowing decades of political negotiations between the White House and the Kremlin.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in this remarkable narrative. Learn about the extraordinary lives of these players whose legacies transcend the realm of sports. Experience the drama, the courage, and the triumph that define "The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage." Get your copy today and uncover the secrets that made history.

Click here to get your copy of "The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery and Courage" now!

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