Viktor Tikhonov (born 1930) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viktor Tikhonov |
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Viktor Tikhonov in July 2010
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| Born | 4 June 1930 Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
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| Died | 24 November 2014 (aged 84) Moscow, Russia |
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| Position | Defence | ||
| Played for | VVS Moscow Dynamo Moscow |
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| National team |  Soviet Union |
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| Playing career | 1949–1963 | ||
Viktor Vasilyevich Tikhonov (Russian: Виктор Васильевич Тихонов; June 4, 1930 – November 24, 2014) was a famous Russian ice hockey player and coach. He played as a defender for teams like VVS Moscow and Dynamo Moscow from 1949 to 1963. During his playing career, he helped his teams win four national championships.
Tikhonov is most famous for coaching the Soviet Union's national ice hockey team. Under his leadership, the team became incredibly strong in international games. They won eight World Championship gold medals and Olympic gold medals in 1984, 1988, and 1992. He also guided CSKA Moscow to win twelve league championships in a row. For his amazing contributions to hockey, Tikhonov was added to the IIHF Hall of Fame in 1998 as a builder of the sport.
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Viktor Tikhonov: A Hockey Legend
Early Playing Days
Viktor Tikhonov started his hockey journey as a defenceman. He played for the VVS (Team of the Soviet Air Force) and Dynamo Moscow. From 1949 to 1963, he scored 35 goals in 296 games in the top Soviet hockey league. He even played for the Soviet Union national team in 1956.
In 1950, he earned the title of "Soviet Sports Master." As a player, he won four gold medals in the Soviet national championship. He won three times with VVS (from 1951 to 1953) and once with Dynamo in 1954. He also won the USSR Cup in 1952 while playing for VVS.
Becoming a Top Coach
Tikhonov began his coaching career in 1964 as an assistant coach for Dynamo Moscow. In 1968, he became the head coach for Dynamo Riga. His skills were quickly noticed, and in 1973, he was named a "Latvian merited sports coach."
In 1977, Tikhonov took on a huge role. He became the head coach for both CSKA Moscow (also known as the "Red Army Club") and the Soviet National Team. In 1978, he received the title of "Soviet Merited sports coach." He continued to coach the Soviet, and later the Unified and Russian National Teams, until 1994. He coached CSKA until 1996.
Coaching Achievements
As a coach, Viktor Tikhonov achieved incredible success:
- He led CSKA Moscow to win 12 straight Soviet titles from 1978 to 1989.
- His teams won World Championship gold medals in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1989, and 1990.
- He guided his teams to Olympic gold medals in 1984, 1988, and 1992. They also won a silver medal in the 1980 Olympics.
- His teams won the 1979 Challenge Cup and the 1981 Canada Cup.
Tikhonov's Coaching Style
Viktor Tikhonov was known for his very strict coaching style. He believed in intense training and discipline. His teams often practiced for 10 to 11 months a year. During this time, players would live together in special training facilities. CSKA was part of the Soviet Army during the Soviet era, and Tikhonov himself was a colonel. He was very dedicated to keeping his teams strong and focused. After the Soviet Union broke up, Tikhonov became a bit less strict in his coaching approach.
After he retired from coaching, Tikhonov continued to work for hockey. He encouraged the Russian government to give more support and money to the national team.
Family and Legacy
Viktor Tikhonov's family also had a strong connection to hockey. His son, Vasily, was also a professional ice hockey coach. Vasily coached in Finland, the United States, and Switzerland before moving back to Russia.
Viktor's grandson, also named Viktor Tikhonov, followed in his grandfather's footsteps. He was chosen to join Team Russia for the 2007 Super Series against Team Canada. In 2008, he was picked by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. After playing for SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League, he signed a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League.
Viktor Tikhonov passed away after a long illness in Moscow on November 24, 2014, at the age of 84.
Awards and Recognition
Viktor Tikhonov received many important awards for his contributions to sports:
- Order For Merit to the Fatherland, 3rd class (1996) – for his great service to the country and hockey.
- Order of Honour (2000) – for his outstanding work in developing national hockey.
- Order of Friendship (2010) – for his excellent contribution to national sport.
- Order of Lenin (1983)
- Order of the October Revolution (1988)
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1978)
- Order of Friendship of Peoples (1981)
- Medal "For Distinguished Labour" (1999)
- Medal "For Military Valour", 1st class
- Chevalier of the Olympic Order
- IIHF Hall of Fame (1998)
