Vyacheslav Starshinov
Team USSR # 8

Vyacheslav Starshinov is recognized as one of the most successful Soviet centers. He was ranked first on the list of the top scoring Soviet leader for decades till Boris Mikhailov broke his scoring record. As a part of the famous Spartak's line where he played with Yevgeny and Boris Mayorov, Starshinov was famous for his goals scored in front of the net and on the rebounds. His trademarks were wicked shot on the net from any angle and a feisty character, his love to play physical and hard-hitting hockey. As a player of Moscow Spartak, Starshinov was one of the most valuable players in its championships of the 1960's. On both national and club level, he was a team leader and enjoyed an enormous respect among his teammates.

CAREER HIGHLIGTS:

• Played in the following clubs of the USSR Elite League: Spartak Moscow
• USSR Gold (3): 1962, 1967, 1969
• WC Gold: 1963-1971
• Olympics Gold: 1964, 1968
• National Awards:
  Merited Sports Master (USSR ZMS) 1963

PERFORMANCE IN THE 1972 SUMMIT

"He had dreamed of playing the professionals all his career. Now in the twilight, he had his dream come true. It doesn't matter that Starshinov only played one game."

Lev Lebedev, Pravda

Vyacheslav Starshinov saw limited ice time in only one game (Game 2 in Toronto) during the series. In fact, it was the only game that the veteran of the Soviet hockey played with the Team USSR in the whole 1972 season.

Game-by-Game Performance: Scoring

Game-by-Game Performance: Penalty History