"As captain, my job was to inspire my teammates both on the ice and off. But in this series that wasn't necessary. Everyone understood we were playing the most important tournament of our lives."

Viktor Kuzkin



Team Rosters: U.S.S.R.
     


Position: D
Shoots: Left
Height: 5-11
Weight: 183
Born:
7/6/1940
Moscow, USSR

Club 1972:
CSKA Moscow

Viktor Kuzkin
Team USSR # 4

By the time of the Summit'72, Victor Kuzkin was considered a veteran of Soviet hockey. He was an experienced defenseman with 3 Olympic gold medals won by Team USSR. Kuzkin began his hockey career as a center forward which helped him to become a successful scoring blueliner with a slick puck handling and skating skills. He became famous for his strong positional hockey skills and ability to lead his team in following the tactical game plan. The Soviet defense pair Kuzkin - Davydov was arguably one of the best in the Soviet hockey history. After retiring from hockey, Kuzkin became one of the CSKA's coaches and led the team to several national championships.

Career Statistics
Competitions Years GP G
USSR League 1958-1976 530 71
Team USSR 1962-1972 173 19

CAREER HIGHLIGTS:

  • Played in the following clubs of the USSR Elite League: CSKA
  • USSR Gold (13): 1959-1961, 1963-1966, 1968, 1970-1973, 1975
  • WC Gold: 1963-1969
  • Olympics Gold: 1964, 1968, 1972
  • National Awards:
    USSR All Stars 1965, 1971
    Merited Sports Master (USSR ZMS) 1963

PERFORMANCE IN THE 1972 SUMMIT

"Kuzkin began to play for the national team in the early 1960's. He played in and won all the international tournaments. But even for such an experienced veteran., this series was extraordinary. Kuzkin, the legend, had to face the legendary hockey players from Canada. It was a new challenge for him. "

Sergei Shmitko, FiS

1972 Summit Overall Statistics
GP G A P PIM SOG SAG +/-
7 0 1 1 8 3 13 -5
 
 


Game-by-Game Performance: Scoring

Summit 1972: Scoring
Game   Period Time Scoring Notes
Game 5303:34Assist 
- Game Summaries -
 
 


Game-by-Game Performance: Penalty History

Summit 1972: Penalty
Game   Period Time Description
Game 4208:39tripping
Game 7212:44roughing
Game 7215:14roughing
Game 8218:06elbowing
- Game Summaries -