Father of NHL legends Pavel and Valeri Bure dies in heartbreaking accident

Vladimir Bure was successful both in the water and on the ice. A four-time Olympic medalist in swimming, having won one silver and three bronze medals, he then traded the water for the rink, when he became a strength and conditioning coach with the New Jersey Devils where his work helped the Devils capture two Stanley Cup championships in 2000 and 2003.

But as great as his own merits are, Vladimir Bure is probably best known as the father of two ice hockey stars: Valeri and Pavel Bure. Pavel, enshrined in the Hall of Fame, is regarded as one of the 100 greatest NHL players of all time, having won two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies along with the Calder Trophy. He made a lasting impression on the Vancouver Canucks and had other stops with the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers.

Valeri Bure was not outdone by his brother during his pretty good NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars, as he also had some memorable moments in the league.

Yesterday, the sports world said goodbye to Vladimir Bure, a great athlete, two-time Stanley Cup champion, and proud father of two hockey legends.

Rest in peace, Vladimir Bure. Our prayers go out to the Bure family.

Source: Markerzone
Stanley Cup champion Vladimir Bure, father of Valeri and Pavel Bure, passes away at 73 in swimming accident