Read an article on this waiting in the doctor's office! I knew the one great defenseman guy but don't remember the other 4! Said this fivesome was the greatest ever (entire planet) to play on the ice together!
Some story bout Gretzky invited them to his parent's house during some Canada Cup or whatever and Dictator coach and some KGB people had to be present but Gretzky tells story of sneaking them down to his basement and they chatted over some Molsom beers! Guys were just normal young men like him and not what the world perceived bout the Russians!
Gretzky also stated bout playing them early in his career and Canada got pounded by these five guys team 8-1 and thought WTF, like aren't we supposedly the best in the world! Opened his eyes!