Oleg Taktarov, Pedro Valente and Pavel Bure in Florida / Publicity photo
A purple belt passionate about Jiu-Jitsu, Pavel Bure is a student of the Valente brothers’ in Miami, as well as a hockey ace on the ice. This Monday, the talented right winger joined the Hockey Hall of Fame. “I feel it’s the greatest achievement you can have in hockey,” said Bure. “The selection committee evaluates everything you’ve done in world hockey. That’s why it’s such a great honor to me,” added the Russian, who stopped playing prematurely, due to knee problems.
No injury could keep him from falling in love with Jiu-Jitsu, though.
Nicknamed “The Russian Rocket” for his speed, Bure played for 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he served on the teams Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers and New York Rangers. Bure was the NHL’s top scorer in 1999 and has scored 437 goals in 702 games, with 342 assists and 779 career points.
Bure also holds a Jiu-Jitsu medal that is dear to him: bronze at the Helio Gracie Challenge, in 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktbhTbc1pAo
