So sad. Stick tap to Kharlamov and his family.

Here’s a nice tribute video looking at the life and career of Valeri Kharlamov. Some of the pictures at the beginning of the video may very well be of Uncle Borya, though I don’t know for sure.

The Kharlamov Trophy is awarded each year to a Russian NHL player, by vote of the Russian players in the NHL. Ovechkin has been the recipient of this award each of the past four seasons.

Kharlamov died four years before Alex was born, but you can be sure that Alex grew up revering his memory (and his game!) and it must have been very special to be there with his hero’s father.

Rest well, Uncle Borya. Maybe Ovi will hang a goal or two or three on the Panthers tomorrow in your memory.

…he was Mario Lemieux before Mario was born, he was an amazing player who died tragically while he was still able to play. He probably never would have played in the NHL, as he would have been well into his 40s when Russians began becoming prominent in the NHL.

My sympathies to the entire Kharlamov family, and to all fans of Russian hockey everywhere…

Aw man… rest well, Uncle Borya!