Detroit's Vladimir Konstantinov (left), who is hospitalized in serious condition after auto accident, celebrated with teammate Viacheslav Fetisov on June 7 after Red Wings won Stanley Cup.JEFF KOWAlSKY/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Crash leaves Konstantinov with critical head injury

Defenseman for Stanley Cup champions is unconscious, on ventilator after limousine wreck

Web posted June 15, 1997

By Burt Herman
Associated Press

ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- Just after the Detroit Red Wings were done celebrating their Stanley Cup championship and had said their goodbyes for the summer, tragedy struck.

A limousine crash left defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov fighting for his life. He was unconscious and on a ventilator Saturday with a critical head injury.

Teammate Slava Fetisov and two others also were injured in the crash.

``The long-term prognosis for this is impossible to tell,'' said Dr. James Robbins, a trauma surgeon at William Beaumont Hospital. ``The next few days are going to be very important to determine which way he is going to go.

``Can he recover? Absolutely ... that's what we continue to hope and pray for.

Konstantinov underwent surgery on his right elbow to repair a tendon and remove debris. He also had a pressure monitor placed in his head.

``I have absolutely no idea whether he'll play again,'' Robbins said of Konstantinov, a hard-hitting backliner whose play helped Detroit end a 42-year drought with a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers.

``Our organization is devastated,'' Wings captain Steve Yzerman said. ``I hope and I ask for everyone's prayers. Do what ever you do in difficult times that help make things work out better.''

Fetisov, also a defenseman, was in good condition Saturday with chest injuries and a bruised lung, Robbins said.

``Our prayers are with them,'' NHL spokesman Arthur Pincus said.

Two others were also injured when the limousine struck a tree Friday night. Team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov was in critical condition after undergoing surgery to relieve pressure caused by his closed head injury. Unlicensed limousine driver Richard Gnida was listed in good condition with no serious injuries.

The accident occurred about 9:15 p.m. in suburban Birmingham, 15 miles down the same road where the Red Wings' victory parade was held three days earlier before more than a million people.

``This Cup is for you, for Detroit, for Michigan,'' Konstantinov told the crowd that day.

Early Saturday, a group of fans kept a vigil outside the hospital. Fans also gathered in small groups at the accident scene, leaving their wishes for recovery.

Against the tree was a white teddy bear in a T-shirt with the handwritten words ``Get Well Soon.'' There also were bouquets of red and white flowers, a stuffed octopus and brooms symbolizing the team's sweep of the Flyers,.

``Our hearts and prayers are with you all,'' read one sign.

Motorists honked as they passed the tree.

Jesicca Werner, 18, of Clawson said she went to the accident scene Friday night and then to the hospital. On Saturday, she brought a poster saying ``We Luv U Guys.''

``I couldn't sleep last night and I was crying all day,'' she said. ``I had to do something.''

Birmingham police Sgt. John VanGorder said in a release that the limousine was moving from the second lane from the left to the far left lane when it continued moving left onto the median and struck a tree.

``There were no other vehicles that were involved in this accident. Witnesses said the roadway was clear in front of the limousine and there was no car that caused the limousine to move into the median,'' he said.

Witnesses said the limousine was moving within the speed limit, he said.

Robbins said there was no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident.

The driver, Gnida, did not hold a valid driver's license at the time of the accident. Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for the Michigan secretary of state, said Gnida's driver's license was most recently revoked in January 1996 and that he was not eligible for review until January 1998.

It was the second time his license had been revoked. Since 1994, he had been ticketed for operating while impaired, operating under the influence and unlawful bodily alcohol content and twice for speeding, Boyd said.

John Gambino, owner of the Gambino's Limousine Service of Belleville, said Friday night that he did not know Gnida had a bad driving record. He said his secretary checks records before drivers are hired.

Calls to the limousine company on Saturday were referred to attorney Dan Blank, who said he could not comment until he had more time to investigate.

The accident occurred just six days after the Wings won their first Stanley Cup since 1955.

Konstantinov is known as one of the league's best checkers. A highlight film of his best hits is shown each game and always draws a cheer. The film calls Konstantinov ``The Vladinator'' and ends with him in dark sunglasses saying ``Hasta la vista, baby!''

He has been accused by opponents of being a dirty player and has said he enjoys the attention.

For the first time, he is a finalist for the Norris Trophy award given to the NHL's best defenseman. The winner will be announced Thursday.

He had five goals and 33 assists during the season and finished with plus-minus rating of plus-38.

Konstantinov played seven seasons for the Central Red Army club, and captained that team and the Soviet national team. Born in Murmansk, Russia, the 30-year-old came to the United States in 1991 to play for Detroit.

Despite talk that the Russians did not care about winning the Stanley Cup - after they had won numerous awards for their native country in Olympic and world championships - the players said that winning the Cup was just as sweet.

``I'll never forget this moment the rest of my life,'' Fetisov said. ``I waited so long, 29 years for this moment.

Fetisov, frequently called the Russian Bobby Orr, is one of the most decorated players in international hockey history. He was a nine-time Soviet League All Star, three times won the Gold Stick Award as Europe's top player and played in 11 world championships and three Olympics.

Fetisov's signing with New Jersey in 1989 began the influx of Russian players into the NHL. He joined the Red Wings in 1995 after five seasons with the Devils.

Many expected the 39-year-old Fetisov, known as ``Papa Bear,'' to retire after the season, but he said after winning the Cup that he is interested in trying to play another season.

``I am so happy. I am healthy and I feel no different than 10 years ago,'' he said. ``Maybe I get a little slower, but I mean I get enough motivation to play.''

The accident occurred after 17 of the Wings attended a golf outing and dinner, team spokesman Tony Lasher said. More than a dozen teammates were at the hospital Saturday and stood behind Yzerman during his brief, emotional talk.

``I know our entire organization and the entire city feel the same, that we're devastated by the accident that occurred last night,'' Yzerman said.