I want to begin by stating that I have a personal connection to this truly inspiring story. Both of my parents immigrated from the former USSR; my father before Viacheslav (Slava) Fetisov and my mother after. The journey to America and the New Jersey Devils was not easy and extremely stressful for all involved, but Fetisov had one of the most interesting stories I have ever heard.
The New Jersey Devils were a new franchise in 1983 when they drafted a defenseman by the name of Viacheslav Fetisov in the 8th round of the NHL Draft.