ZURICH, Switzerland, May 28 (UPI) -- The Russian national hockey team replaced legendary coach Viktor Tikhonov on Friday, naming Zinetula Bilyaletdinov to the position.
Bilyaletdinov's first assignment as coach will be at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
A former defenseman on the national team, Bilyaletdinov has a long history of championships during his playing days in the Soviet Union. He helped his teams win six IIHF World Championship gold medals, the 1981 Canada Cup and the gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.
Tikhonov, who led the national team to three Olympic gold medals and eight world championship titles from 1978-1994, will remain with the team as a senior consultant.
The IIHF Hall of Fame member also has guided CSKA Moscow to 13 Russian League crowns.
