[VIDEO] Former NHL MVP Sergei Fedorov has Jersey Retired from the Seat of a C4 Corvette ZR-1

Jan 14, 2026

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Former NHL MVP Sergei Fedorov has Jersey Retired from the Seat of a C4 Corvette ZR-1

“I tried to buy a Corvette in Moscow; that’s still my favorite car,” said Sergei Fedorov.

After having his number retired by the Detroit Red Wings this week, NHL great and member of the famed Russian Five – a group of the first hockey players ever to defect from their native Soviet Union – Sergei Fedorov shed some light on the meaning behind the unique on-ice chariot chosen for his big night, and maybe even a bit of insight into the motivation behind his defection.

To celebrate a thirteen-year run with the Red Wings that included three Stanley Cup championships and 954 points on 400 goals – respectively ranking fourth and sixth in team history – Fedorov’s number 91 jersey was added to the rafters of Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on January 12th. In the 100-year existence of Detroit’s “original six” franchise, Fedorov became the ninth player honored with a jersey retirement, joining all-time greats like Gordie Howe and former teammates Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom.

[VIDEO] Former NHL MVP Sergei Fedorov has Jersey Retired from the Seat of a C4 Corvette ZR-1

On top of traditional fare such as members of the current ‘Wings squad all donning 91 jerseys and homages to Sergei’s trademark white Nike skates, the night was most notable for the man of the hour’s entrance to the rink. He wasn’t walking the red carpet, skating, or driving a Zamboni; the renowned Russian Center was riding shotgun in a stunning example of America’s Sports Car from his ’90s heyday.

It was one of the 245 1993 40th Anniversary Edition ZR-1s ever made. Notably, the 40th Anniversary cars were the exclusive home of Fedorov’s ideal color; Ruby Red Metallic, along with their distinction as the first year for the upgraded Gen-II LT5 that made an insane for the time 405 horsepower. Sergei’s driver keeping wheelspin in check on the pampered – and, thankfully, octopus-free – skating surface became even more impressive after a peak at the windshield and its prominent white ‘Lingenfelter’ lettering. This could mean that the rear tires could have been dealing with up to 640 horses.

When looking at the Soviet automotive industry and what it was like trying to get a car under communist rule, it’s no wonder that the rumbling allure of 32-Valve Corvettes might have been a contributing factor in Fedorov’s initial decision to leave Russia for the green pastures of the NHL.