Makarov's greatest feats occured during the 1980's when he played for the communist regime in the old Soviet
 Union. Because of that regime and the ever existant Cold War, we only saw the Russians best players in major
 tournaments. We were raised to hate him, yet marvelled at his awesome skills.

 He played 11 years for Central Red Army of the Soviet National League with team winning league title each
 season. He also participated in 3 Winter Olympic Games and 11 World Championships and has been a member of
 13 gold medal-winning teams: Canada Cup (1981), World Jr. Championships (1977, 1978), Olympics (1984, 1988),
 World Championships (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1990).

 An 11-time Soviet National League All-Star and 8-time World Championship First-Team All-Star, Makarov also was
 a 2-time winner of the "Gold Stick" award as the outstanding player in Europe.

 Makarov's greatest honor from his playing days in the U.S.S.R. would be his placing among 23 others as a
 Masters of Sport in Russia, an honor equivalent to Hall of Fame selection.

 Here's a look at Sergei Makarov's career stats prior to joining the National Hockey League: 519 league games; 322
 goals, 388 assists for 710 points. Keep in mind that this is just Soviet League games and does not include Olympic
 or World Championship games where Makarov and his linemates shone brightest.

 The fall of Iron Curtain allowed Makarov, along with Larionov, Krutov, Fetisov and Kasatonov, to leave the Central
 Red Army and persue a career else where in 1989, and the NHL was waiting. Although they all came in their
 twilight of their careers, all have had varying success in the NHL, despite being under an intense microscope.
 Makarov made the adjustment the easiest of all the old Russian players, as he would score 24 goals and 62
 assists with the Calgary Flames in 1989-90, earning him the Calder trophy. He would go on to put up impressive
 statistics for 4 more years before age caught up with him.

 Sergei Makarov electrifying speed and stickhandling terrorized Canadian hockey fans for most of the 1980s.
 When he joined the NHL people doubted he could do it against NHL competition over an 80 game schedule.
 Makarov proved them otherwise, yet it is not his NHL career that earns him his place as a Legend of Hockey.