Pavel Bure
Pavel Bure, also known as the Russian Rocket,
was one of the most electrifying hockey players of
all time. Thanks to his break-away speed, soft hands
and a tremendous shot, the
Moscow born native
was a prolific goal scorer. In just 13 NHL seasons, many
shortened due to injury, Bure hit the 50 goal mark
five times (the 60 goal mark twice), averaging a
staggering .623 goals per game average (3rd best in
NHL history).
During his 16 year professional career Pavel Bure spent 3 with the Central Red Army, 7 with the Vancouver Canucks, 4 with the Florida Panthers and his last 2 years with the New York Rangers. Unfortunately for the Russian Rocket, and hockey fans everywhere, Bure's career was cut short by chronic knee injuries.
How did Bure get his nickname the Russian Rocket?
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On November 5, 1991 Pavel Bure played in his
first NHL game, a home game in Vancouver
against the visiting Winnipeg Jets. The young
Russian phenom showcased his amazing speed and
acceleration, dazzling spectators with several
brilliant end-to-end rushes. Post-game,
Vancouver Sun columnist Iain MacIntyre
compared Bure to a rocket, calling him "the
fastest Soviet creation since Sputnik".
From that point on the name stuck. Pavel Bure
was, and forever will be, the "Russian Rocket".
Pavel Bure Facts
Position: Right Wing Shoots: Left Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight: 192 lbs (87 kg) Date of Birth: March 31, 1971 Place of Birth: Moscow, USSR NHL Entry Draft: 113th overall, 1989
Professional Hockey Teams
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