Alexander Yakushev

Who is Alexander Yakushev?

Alexander Sergeyevich Yakushev is a former ice hockey player and coach for the Soviet Union.

Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, Alexander Yakushev is best known to North American hockey fans as one of the stars for the Soviet team that played Team Canada in the famous 1972 Summit Series. His style of play was atypical of his colleagues who were fast and skilled; he was often described as the equivalent of Canada's Phil Esposito. Although often overshadowed by his famous teammate Valeri Kharlamov, by the end of the Summit Series, Yakushev lead the Soviets in scoring with 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points.

After retiring from hockey, Yakushev coached Spartak Moscow and, briefly, the Soviet national team. He also became a referee, working in the Soviet Championship League and international events, such as the 1991 Canada Cup.