Believe
Most of the stories in this group I start out about a person, or about how they were personally linked to me. Though maybe I should start out this one with a word.
A simple word that may not mean a lot to you. Though to me, and some other people in the world, in means a lot.
Believe or in Russian верить.
This word, this single word, helped inspire a team. This word inspired a town.
Now maybe the name Vladimir Konstantinov means nothing to you. Though for me it means a lot, his name is truly an inspiration.
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June 3rd, 1997 Michigan.
Victory, it flowed through everyone's mind. Smiles, Drinks, Parties this was all over Michigan. Why? Well, Just six days ago the Detroit Red Wings has brought home another Stanely Cup.
It was a great year for the fans and the players.
As the night began to come to a close Vladimir Konstantinov, Viacheslav Fetisov, and Sergei Mnatsakanov got into the back of a limo heading home for the night. Alcohol ran through their system as they recapped on the past season.
Though, sadly, their smiles and joy would disappear in a flash.
That night before picking up the three, driver Richard Gnida took some drinks. The driver also had at the time his license suspended for Drunk Driving. If only they knew that.
Richard had swerved the limo into a tree on the median of Woodward Avenue, in Birmingham, Michigan. Only six days after the Stanley Cup had been won, joy was lost.
Fetisov has luckily escaped the crash with minor injuries. On the other hand Mnatsakanov and Konstantinov (Vladdie) has both gone into comas. The celebrations were over, as the dread spread.
Thankfully, it seemed as if many prayers were answered, Vladdie & Mnatsaknov both came out of their comas. Unfortunately from then on their hockey careers were over due to brain damage and both were partly paralyzed.
Though Hockey continued on, and the Red Wings didn't stop there.
That year they created a patch for Vladdie because he couldn't play. It was simple on the patch it had the image of the Red Wing's symbol. Below it said Believe in English and Russian, and below that was the initials of Vladdie & Mnatsakanov.
That patch was sewn on to all the players jersey as they headed into the 1998 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vladdie attended all the games.
After a long hard battle the Red Wings arrived into the Stanley Cup Championship game against the Washington Capitals. In the end they won.
Though truly the best part of that night for everyone, was the moment (after they had won) when they wheeled out Vladdi onto the ice and placed the Stanley Cup on his lap. That night 'there were no dry eyes' at the Joe.
On the cup the Wings were able to get Vladdi's name on the 1998 spot (with the rest of the team). Vladdi got to relive something that was magical. As if that moment could last forever. To some it did.
As some time passed the Red Wings began to make some big decisions. Which included the retirement of Vladdi's number (#16). They also decided to keep his locker the way it was. They left up his sign, and still it sits. Though there is one new addition to his locker.
Above it is a red rock that reads;
Believe.
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I decided to quickly type this because lets face it. I find Vladdi to be an inspiration and forever in my memory. I find this story to be something that seems unreal, but it is. It's a sad reality. Before I go I encourage everyone to take a look at the video to the side & the picture of Vladdi. And lastly remember;
Believe.
YOU ARE READING
Poems and Other Stuff {including plot bunnies}
FanfictionSome poems I wrote a while back. A few stories that I started but later didn't really like. Though I didn't want to get rid of them, for later use. And some other stuff. Yep-
