Viktor Ivanovich Pryazhnikov (Russian: Виктор Иванович Пряжников; December 23, 1933 – April 17, 2016) was a Soviet and Russian ice hockey player who played as a forward, primarily a center. He was an Olympic gold medalist and a highly regarded player in the Soviet Championship during the 1950s and 1960s.
Early Life and Career Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, Pryazhnikov began his ice hockey career in the Soviet Championship. He spent the majority of his career with Krylya Sovetov Moscow (also known as Soviet Wings), where he played from 1953 to 1966. During his tenure with Krylya Sovetov, he became a prominent goal scorer and playmaker. He also had a brief stint with Dynamo Moscow towards the end of his playing career.
Pryazhnikov was known for his intelligent play, strong skating, and offensive skills. He was a key figure for Krylya Sovetov during a successful period for the club, helping them win the Soviet Championship in 1957. Over his career in the Soviet Championship, he played over 400 games and scored more than 160 goals.
International Career Pryazhnikov represented the Soviet Union on the international stage. His most significant achievement came at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, where he won a gold medal as part of the dominant Soviet national team. The Olympic ice hockey tournament also counted as the Ice Hockey World Championship and the European Championship for that year, making him a World and European champion as well. He also participated in the 1959 Ice Hockey World Championship, where the Soviet team won bronze.
Awards and Recognition
- Olympic Gold Medal: 1964
- World Championship Gold Medal: 1964
- Soviet Championship Winner: 1957
- Honored Master of Sports of the USSR: 1963
Later Life After retiring from playing, Pryazhnikov remained involved in ice hockey, though details of his post-playing career are less extensively documented. He passed away in Moscow on April 17, 2016, at the age of 82.