Description
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.Details
Are you ready for a thrilling, heart-pounding story that combines espionage, bravery, and the power of teamwork? Look no further than "The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery, and Courage". This gripping book takes you on a journey behind the Iron Curtain, where the Detroit Red Wings sought out world-class players to revive their struggling franchise. Led by Keith Gave, a fearless newsman, the Wings embarked on a clandestine mission that would forever change the face of hockey.
From secret meetings in luxury hotels to covert operations in remote European forests, the Wings orchestrated the unlawful departures of these talented players from the Soviet Union. One defection ignited an international incident, capturing global headlines. Another player, with the Wings' help, even went so far as to fake cancer to secure his freedom. The lengths the Red Wings went to in order to build their dream team are truly astonishing.
The real heroes of this story are the Russian Five: Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Kozlov, and Igor Larionov. Each of their personal journeys reads like a pulse-pounding spy novel, filled with danger, determination, and the ultimate pursuit of freedom. These players overcame immense challenges, both on and off the ice, to unite under the masterful coaching of Scotty Bowman.
But this book is more than just an exhilarating tale of hockey triumph. It uncovers never-before-revealed details, shared by Keith Gave himself, who was there every step of the way. From the moment Detroit drafted their first two Soviet players in 1989 to the euphoric Stanley Cup win in 1997, and the subsequent victory lap around Red Square and the Kremlin, Gave witnessed it all. The Russian Five didn't just bridge the gap between Russia and America; they brought nations closer together than years of diplomacy ever could.
Don't miss out on this captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Experience the gripping world of espionage, the bravery of the players, and the power of the game. Immerse yourself in "The Russian Five: A Story of Espionage, Defection, Bribery, and Courage". Get your copy now and be a part of history.
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