Vladimir Konstantinov Vladimir Konstantinov ( born March 19 , 1967 , in Murmansk , Soviet Union ) is a former professional hockey player who played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings . Previously , he had played for Soviet club HC CSKA Moscow . His career was ended in a limousine accident just six days after the Red Wings 1997 Stanley Cup victory . Playing Career . Vladimir Konstantinov , " Vladdie , " was drafted 221st overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings , after impressing a Red Wings scout at the 1987 World Junior Championships , where a brawl broke out in the Russia / Canada game . Scout Neil Smith remembers , " He was the only one of the Russians who fought back . " Probably the most notable aspect of his hockey career was his aggressive style , specializing in getting opponents off their game . " For my game , " he explained , " I don ’ t need to score the goal . I need someone to start thinking about me and forgetting about scoring goals . " Konstantinov ' s aggressive style of play also earned him the nickname " The Vladinator . " He was also part of the unit known as " The Russian Five , " which consisted of defensemen Vladimir Konstantinov and Vyacheslav Fetisov , and forwards Igor Larionov , Sergei Fedorov , and Vyacheslav Kozlov . Konstantinov was more than a pest , as some had taken to calling him ; he was a skilled player . He earned the NHL Plus / Minus Award in 1995 – 96 , with a plus / minus difference of plus - 60 . The + 60 has been the highest rating a player has finished with in the past 20 seasons , since Wayne Gretzky finished with a + 70 in the 1986 – 87 NHL season . In 1996 – 97 , his final season , Konstantinov was runner - up to Brian Leetch ) for the Norris Trophy , given to the league ' s best defenceman . However , Konstantinov ' s career is not remembered so much outside Detroit for what happened on the ice as for how it ended . Limousine Accident . Following a private party on June 13 , 1997 celebrating the Red Wings ’ Stanley Cup triumph , Konstantinov , along with Russian hockey legend Vyacheslav Fetisov , and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov hired a limousine to drive them home . The driver , Richard Gnida , whose license was suspended at the time for drunk driving , lost control of the limousine and hit a tree on the median of Woodward Avenue , just north of Birmingham in Oakland County . Konstantinov spent several weeks in a coma before finally pulling through . He also suffered from serious head injuries and paralysis while Fetisov escaped with relatively minor injuries and was able to play the following season . Mnatsakanov sustained heavy head injuries and also spent some time in a coma ; he has had a considerably more difficult recovery . It was an emotional scene one year later as the Red Wings successfully retained the Stanley Cup . Konstantinov was wheeled onto the ice , surrounded by his teammates , to celebrate the win . Throughout the playoffs the Red Wings ' catchphrase was the single word , " Believe , " and throughout the 1997 – 98 season the Red Wings wore a patch , with the initials of Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov featured prominently , with the word " Believe " written in both English and Russian . Although Vladimir was never able to play hockey again due to the car crash , the Detroit Red Wings still recognized him as part of their team . The Red Wings had his name engraved on their 1998 Stanley Cup . During the celebration ceremonies after winning the Stanley Cup Vladimir was pushed around the ice in his wheelchair with the Cup on his lap . Konstantinov ' s jersey # 16 has not been officially retired by the Red Wings ; however , out of respect for Konstantinov , no player has been given the number since . In 2001 , the Red Wings signed Brett Hull , who had worn # 16 for the bulk of his stellar career with the St . Louis Blues and Dallas Stars ; Hull switched to # 17 . Konstantinov ' s condition has improved considerably since his accident . While he still has trouble speaking and walking , he is seen several times a season watching Red Wings games from a private box at Joe Louis Arena . The Red Wings keep his locker set up for him , although he will never be capable of playing hockey again . The locker is also equipped with a rock that says " Believe " . Konstantinov returned to the ice at Joe Louis Arena , helped by a walker , for the pre - game number retirement ceremony for Steve Yzerman on January 2 , 2007 . Konstantinov lives in the Detroit area but requires full - time nursing care and struggles to get around with the aid of a walker .