The Gimaev brothers played many seasons, delighting fans with high-level training. One of the most successful brothers is Irek Gimaev - a hockey player who has achieved a lot in his clubs and in the national team.
The beginning of the path of the famous hockey player
Irek Gimaev was born on September 2, 1957 in the Dyurtyulinsky district of the Bashkir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. He is the eldest among his illustrious brothers. As a child, Irek was a very active child. In the warmer months, often spent time playing football, basketball or tennis. But with the advent of winter, he literally moved to the rink. In 1967, the Ice Sports Palace was built in Ufa. A large number of children wanted to start hockey, but they took only the most capable. Irek Gimaev was among them. He quickly got involved and began to master the hockey elements. He liked frequent trips to the cities of our country, since he was born in a poor village, and before coming to hockey he did not have such an opportunity. Irek Gimaev spoke very well about his first coaches. Azamatov Marat Isaevich and Shtyrkov Vladimir Ivanovich enjoyed great respect and love among young athletes. The Ufa school has always been at a high level. Their main rivals at that time were the guys from Chelyabinsk. In 1973, the team of Gimayev became the champion of the USSR in his year. After that, many players of that team began to be included in the youth teams, including Irek Gimaev.
Professional career
Gimaev began his speech for his native “Salavat Yulaev”. For six seasons, he managed to score 44 goals. Gimaev Sr. is a universal hockey player. He performed in the club as a striker and defender. For a great game for his native club, Gimaev received an invitation from the strongest CSKA team at that time, led by such a great coach as Viktor Tikhonov. Of course, the young hockey player immediately accepted the invitation and moved to Moscow.
The club CSKA has a completely different style of play. Irek had to get used to it for a long time. Athletes were preparing for games at the base in the suburbs. There they spent 10 months a year, extremely rarely seeing their families. But no one complained, because playing in such a great team is a great honor. In CSKA, Gimaev played eight years. During this period, he became the champion of the League 7 times. Competition at CSKA has always been very high. Every year, young players tried out to the team. And it was clear to everyone that there was very little time left before Gimaev left.
Career abroad
Gimaev, realizing that he was no longer able to maintain such a high level, left the country and began playing for the Japanese hockey club Oji Seishi. This team at that time was the leader of its championship. For 4 years spent there, Irek won the local championship six times with the team. But to end his successful career, Gimaev went to Slovenia, to the Olympia club. Fans have always loved a player like Irek Gimaev. The hockey player, whose photo was often decorated with sports magazines, was popular.
Sports Achievements
Irek Gimaev (hockey player) played for many years in leading championship teams. The USSR team at that time also won the most prestigious trophies. Therefore, the list of awards he has is quite impressive. During his long career, Irek became a three-time world champion - in 1979, 1982, 1983 - and once, in 1985, a bronze medalist. In total, at the World Championship, Gimaev scored 5 goals in 25 games held. He won the Canada Cup in 1981. At this tournament, he played 10 matches in which he scored one goal. He also won the European Champions Cup. It is not played by the main rival of our athletes - the Canadian team, so Gimaev as part of the USSR team easily won it from 1979 to 1986. The hockey player won the Challenge Cup in 1979 and was a seven-time winner of the USSR Championship. As part of the strongest CSKA, Gimaev, together with his star team, were the clear favorites of our hockey of that time. For 356 matches held, Irek scored 40 goals against the opponent. Gimaev for his huge contribution to domestic hockey was awarded the medal "For Labor Distinction" and the order "Badge of Honor".
Family status
Irek Gimaev has been married for quite some time. His eldest son was fond of ballroom dancing. In this sport, he is a three-time world champion. The youngest son followed in the footsteps of his father, but he does not play professional hockey. He plays in the Moscow Amateur League.
Irek Gimaev for a long time was one of the best defenders of domestic hockey. It is difficult to find an athlete with the same number of awards. Irek Gimaev is a hockey player, a biography that has not always developed smoothly. But despite injuries and other troubles, he always showed stable hockey. After completing his professional career, Gimaev held various administrative posts. He is currently developing the Night Hockey League and amateur hockey in general. His invaluable experience is undoubtedly necessary for the development of this sport.