Vladimir Konstantinov - Where are they now?

2009 - A look at where former punishing Red Wing defender Vladimir Konstantinov is 11 years after the car accident that nearly killed him.

[@skooby_doobie_doonkann3334]

This was so sad. His hockey career was cut short by a lot. He could have played for another 8-10 years

[@yanie327]

My family and I were in Michigan during the back-to-back Cup wins. After the accident, my sons and I went to the site and signed the giant card they had for him. My oldest got his picture in the Detroit Free Press as he signed. I've read the comments. . .I don't care if you hate the Red Wings. . . .what happened to the Vladinator was a tragedy. . . .his recovery is a miracle! God Bless him forever, and GO WINGS!!!!!

[@MasonMsotsos]

Oh my God. Not a Wings fan, but when they put the Stanley Cup in his lap and he gave a thumbs up, goosebumps all over my body, and every hair on my arms stood up. Amazing.

[@bugs8484]

As an Avs fan, wasn't a big Vlady fan but had great respect for the way he played. Played hockey the way it was supposed to be played. Prayers that he continues to recover.

[@Nat.0992]

I cried. This man was and still is the heart and soul of this team. I was very young when the accident happened but I have heard many stories about this. Always a fan. Go wings

[@CuJoProductionsCP]

This brings tears to my eyes. Vlady was an amazing player! Go Wings! We love you, Vlady!

[@byff2323]

This piece can make a grown man cry. Retire 16!

[@averagegameryt8622]

#16 deserves to be retired in the joe

[@Russianhools1]

A true Russian man. Never gives up, fights till the end

[@user-vg3qm2jy1g]

Всегда мечтал! чтобы наша 5 как сыграла на олимпик гецмс ,но тогда это было фантастика ,Константинов это олицетворение мощи хоккея и прежде всего Российского

[@studentbrown]

What a great women, she stood by him the whole time. women these days would just leave after 12.75 days.

[@truth4ever519]

Man, I still cannot watch this and not tear up all these years later. He was a warrior! They don't make hockey players like him anymore. Hockey as it was meant to be played. I remember he got hurt on a play and struggled to skate off the ice but you could tell there was no way he was going to flop to the ice and get a whistle like nowadays.Just an example of how much heart he had.

[@nooneinteresting4193]

Growing up I hated, HATED, the Red Wings, but this makes me so sad seeing this. God bless him.

[@dougjohnson7943]

The accident took place in Birmingham, just down the road from where I lived. I woke up in the middle of the night to head a loud crash, had no idea what it was. When I woke up my grandmother informed me of the tragedy.. I was only 6 at the time, but watched the Red Wings regularly.

[@WarmothGuitarist]

Had he not been disabled in the limo accident, he could have given Lidstrom and others a serious run for their money in the Norris trophy count. The man was a master of timely checks, and was as smart as he was smooth skating.

[@stefy71]

As I long time Leaf fan, and old hockey arch nemesis of the Wings, I gotta tip my hat to the entire Wings organization. Just pure class through and through.....

[@CaptainMorganThe3rd]

Fuck, these fucking chopped onions fucking everywhere.

[@CoreyPerrySucks]

In Vladdy we trust. I miss him so much. If he was still playing and with the Wings him and Lidstrom would make one Hell of a blue line

[@TommyCage0736]

Hated Vladdy and most of the Red Wings cause they always beat up on my Hawks, but nobody deserves to go through that kind of pain. ITs a sad and unfortunate situation, and an awesome tribute to Vladdy in 98 when they wheeled him onto the ice.

[@hockeynmma1992]

I have Konstantinov jersey wear it to every Wings game i go to