Russian-American ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion, and Olympic medalist, known for his speed and scoring ability on the ice.
Valeri Bure, a Russian-American former ice hockey right winger, is widely recognized for his exceptional skills on the ice, playing ten seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for five prominent teams, and earning a plethora of accolades and records along the way.
Born on June 13, 1974, in Moscow, Soviet Union, Valeri hails from a noble family with a rich history. His ancestors, watchmakers for Russian tsars from 1815 to 1917, were granted noble status. His father, Vladimir, was an Olympic swimmer who won four medals for the Soviet Union between 1968 and 1976.
Valeri's hockey career took off when he left his home in the Soviet Union in 1991 to play junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Spokane Chiefs. He became the first Russian player in the league's history and was a two-time WHL all-star.
Selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, Valeri played for five NHL teams, including the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars. He appeared in one NHL All-Star Game in 2000 and led the Flames in scoring with 35 goals and 75 points in the 1999-2000 season.
Valeri's impressive performance, combined with his brother Pavel's, set an NHL record for goals by a pair of siblings with 93.
Valeri represented Russia on numerous occasions, winning a bronze medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship and two Olympic medals – silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002.
After retiring from hockey in 2005 due to back and hip injuries, Valeri pursued his passion for wine and founded Bure Family Wines in St. Helena, California, with his wife, actress Candace Cameron Bure. The couple has been married since 1996.
Valeri's hockey career spanned over a decade, earning him a place in the hearts of fans and a lasting impact on the sport. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of hockey players, and his entrepreneurial spirit has led to a successful venture in the world of fine wine.
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