"No Coward Plays Hockey" (Russian: Трус не игра́ет в хокке́й) could be called the anthem of ice hockey in the Soviet Union and Russia. The song was composed in 1968 by Aleksandra Pakhmutova (music), Sergei Grebennikov and Nikolai Dobronravov (lyrics - both). During this period of Soviet history, ice hockey was very popular in the Soviet Union, which is why it was not a big surprise when such a song appeared.[1] Since then, it has been performed by many musicians - and some hockey arenas in Russia use its theme to open the game.
The original version of this song was performed in 1968 by Vadim Mulerman.[2]
The Canadian distribution rights to the song were owned by Aggie Kukulowicz, who acted as Team Canada's translator during the Summit Series.[3]