Vladimir Konstantinov: Just Believe

This picture is the last we all remember of the great Vladimir Konstantinov on ice for the Detroit Red Wings, but his legacy is still a big part of the Red Wings locker room.

Konstantinov, who had his playing career cut short at the age of 30 due to a limousine accident six days after the 1997 Stanley Cup finals, is still a recognized member of the team at age 42, 12 years after the accident.

Red Wings fans remember Konstantinov for his toughness and leadership on the ice, while the rest of the hockey world remembers him for the tragic ending of his career. Konstantinov's aggressive style was the reason he was drafted by the Red Wings, and he knew his role very well. He was not the guy that had to score the goals, and he knew that. His job was to get the opposition off of their games. He was quoted saying this of his role: "I don't need to score the goal. I need someone to start thinking about me and forgetting about scoring goals." His aggressive demeanor landed him the nickname "The Vladinator," so aptly taken from Arnold Swartzenegger's movie "The Terminator."

One of the single greatest moments of my hockey memories was after the Red Wings repeated as Stanley Cup champions the next season, and Vladimir Konstantinov was wheeled out onto the ice to receive the Stanley Cup. That moment will be forever etched into my mind as my favorite Red Wings moment.

Believe it or not, contrary to what anyone says, Konstantinov's locker is still in the Red Wings dressing room today. Even though there is a new wave of Wings, his legacy still lives in the minds of Hockeytown. Players still touch the "Believe" rock before games. It is a tradition that shows true camaraderie in the best organization is hockey history.

Even though we do not hear of Konstantinov too much anymore, his legacy will live on in Hockeytown forever.