Who is Vladimir Tarasenko's father? All we know about the late Olympic ice hockey player Andrei Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko's father, Andrei Tarasenko, was a popular figure in Russian ice hockey. He played for over two decades, mainly in Russia, from 1984 to 2006.

Andrei represented Russia in the 1994 Winter Olympics, where his team narrowly missed a medal. After playing, he coached HC Sibir Novosibirsk in the KHL, first as head coach and later as a development coach.

Andrei died on July 11, 2024, at 55. His son, Vladimir, plays in the NHL, currently with the Detroit Red Wings.

Vladimir Tarasenko signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 3. In July 2017, Vladimir reflected on his father's influence and remembered watching tapes of Andrei's games and admiring his precise passing and powerful shots.

"My first memory of this is from Olympic Games in 1994. He comes home, from Lillehammer, after the tournament, with a video. This tape has all of my dad’s games from the two weeks, plus the full closing ceremony. So, you know, I watch this. Rewind. Watch again. Rewind. Watch again," Vladimir said (via theplayerstribune.com).

"I can’t believe how hard he shoots. But what I remember most is the passing. I’m telling you, it’s insane. On tape of teammate every time. Pass, bang, on tape. Every time," Vladimir added.

Andrei Tarasenko's impact lives on through his son Vladimir's NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings.

Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane join Detroit Red Wings

Vladimir Tarasenko chose to join the Detroit Red Wings after consulting with Patrick Kane, who re-signed with the team.

"I think it would be a good fit. I know we both are natural right wingers, kind of left-handed shots playing the off side, but I think when you're playing hockey it doesn't really matter what position you're in. So one of us would have to make a move, but I think it would be a good fit," Kane said (via NHL.com).

Tarasenko, who won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, wants to help his new team succeed. Kane and Tarasenko, both experienced forwards, see potential in Detroit's lineup to end an eight-season playoff drought.

Kane, who is recovering well from surgery, is optimistic about Detroit's chances.

"I think there's definitely expectations going into this season, so that's always a good thing," Kane said. "You want those expectations. You want, whether it's the fans or the media or just players in general, to expect the team and the organization to take the next steps.

"So, excited about being a part of that and hopefully getting a chance to have a good regular season and play playoff hockey again," Kane added.

Both players appreciate the team's environment and signed new contracts.