Red Wings defenseman still in coma; doctor optimistic

Web posted June 16, 1997

Associated Press

ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- Vladimir Konstantinov remained in a coma Sunday following a limousine accident, but his doctor is encouraged that the Detroit Red Wings defenseman appears to be responding to the voices of his family and teammates.

``There is movement, there have been subtle signs of facial expression,'' said Dr. James Robbins, a trauma surgeon at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich.

``There's still reason for a lot of concern. But it's an optimistic sign and it gives good reason to remain hopeful and optimistic that ultimately he is going to do well.''

Konstantinov, 30, and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov, 43, remained in critical condition and breathing with the help of ventilators. Mnatsakanov also was in a coma.

Two others in the vehicle, Wings defenseman Viacheslav Fetisov, 39, and limousine driver Richard Gnida, 28, remained in good condition and could be released today, Robbins said.

When asked whether Fetisov could resume his hockey career, Robbins said: ``I don't think I'm the one to make that kind of determination. But he looks awfully good to me.''

Robbins said it will take days and longer before doctors will have any indication of what kind of recovery Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov can make.

``In their situation it's primarily a waiting game,'' he said.

Robbins has said he does not know whether Konstantinov, a finalist for the Norris Trophy awarded to the NHL's best defenseman, might be able to play hockey again.

``We have certainly seen patients in much more serious condition, with worse head injuries, who have survived and done well and walked out of the hospital,'' he said.

The limousine was carrying the three from a team golf outing Friday night when it slammed into a tree in a median. The outing was part of the players' last day of group celebrations of their Stanley Cup victory six days earlier, their first Cup in 42 years.

Gnida's driving license had been revoked until at least next year because of his bad driving history, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's office.

Daniel Blank, a lawyer for limousine company owner John Gambino, said Sunday that the company had not yet confirmed whether Gnida was driving without a license.

``I can say obviously if he is an unlicensed driver, he will not be driving for the service,'' Blank said.

He said the company checks the driving records of its employees and it's too early to say if and how Gnida's record might have been missed.

Red Wings players have been talking to Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov and playing Russian music and Queen's ``We Are The Champions,'' a song Konstantinov had been listening to in the days before the accident.

``He's quite proud of the fact that the team was able to capture the Stanley Cup and the team has been eager to brings tapes of that in for him to listen to,'' Robbins said.

Usually only family members are allowed to visit people in intensive care, Robbins said. But Red Wings have been able to visit, he said, because ``one of the things that's been clear throughout all of this is that all of these gentlemen are family.''

Fans throughout the Detroit area continued to pray for the men, and groups of well wishers gathered throughout the weekend near the accident site. The tree the limousine struck was covered with Red Wings symbols, including flags, posters and brooms.

One poster read: ``Vlady, please wake up. We need you.'' Another read: ``Our prayers are with you.''

Michael Sayig and his son, Michael, 7, placed two of the boy's small stuffed bears near the pile of Red Wings items.

``We supported the team when they were winning,'' said the elder Michael of Roseville. ``Now they're down and we're still going to support them.''

Kevin Krajewski of Center Line began holding vigil near the accident site Saturday night and said he will stay there as long as it takes.

``He's in God's hands,'' he said of Konstantinov, ``and we're just talking to God and praying for him.''

Laura Diebold of Warren said the Red Wings' Sergei Fedorov stopped at the site at 2:40 a.m. Sunday and thanked them for supporting his teammate.

``So many people are praying that it is roaring in God's ears,'' Diebold said. ``It is roaring.''

Lyle Pransch of Detroit organized the vigil of about 10 people. ``He's a tough guy,'' he said of Konstantinov, ``He's strong. He's one of the family. He ain't gonna give up, everybody knows it.''