The Russian Bandy Federation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Vladimir Yanko, extending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. This marks the passing of an era in Russian hockey and a significant blow to national sports, as described by the federation’s leadership.
Boris Skrynnik, president of the Russian Bandy Federation, offered his personal condolences for Yanko’s death and explained the circumstances surrounding the 73-year-old specialist’s passing. “Vladimir Yanko died today from complications tied to the coronavirus, which he contracted about two months ago. He left behind a remarkable legacy. I had the opportunity to collaborate with him extensively in Arkhangelsk, Moscow, and with the national team”, Skrynnik told Match TV. (Attribution: Russian Bandy Federation)
Skrynnik also noted that Yanko would be laid to rest in Moscow, with the date to be announced in due course. “Our priority is to ensure he is honored properly as he makes his final journey, and to remember the enormous contributions of a great coach and person”, he added. (Attribution: Russian Bandy Federation)
Sergey Myaus, esteemed coach of Russia, highlighted Yanko’s upbeat and generous character, sharing memories and underscoring that a substantial chapter has closed with his passing. “An era is passing. Yanko was a remarkable coach who amassed the most titles in our non-Olympic sport. I had the privilege of working with him in Sweden, where I served as his assistant”, Myaus recalled. “He faced life with a determined spirit—a stubborn, self-made performer who coached others to be resilient, even in defeat. He always kept his cheer and taught me to smile again when the going got tough. And today we mourn and remember him together.” (Attribution: Match TV)
Yanko’s journey began in Kuntsevo, where he played in the children’s team of a local weaving factory, before concluding his playing career with Dynamo Moscow. His path as a hockey player with the masters team began in 1966, and he remained with Dynamo Moscow until 1979, including three seasons with Zorkom (1968–1971). While with the capital club, Yanko claimed the USSR championship five times (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978) and earned three additional medals with the team in various ranks (1968, 1974, 1977). Between 1972 and 1979, he was consistently recognized among the USSR’s top ball hockey players. He also captured the European Cup three times with Dynamo, and as part of the USSR national team he earned world championship gold in 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1979. (Attribution: historical records of Dynamo Moscow and USSR national team)
Yanko transitioned to coaching immediately after his playing days. In 1979 he took charge of Tekstilshchik, remaining there until 1981. At 32, he became head coach of Stroitel from Syktyvkar, guiding the team into the Major League. In 1987, he moved to Yenisey, where he spent three years and led the team to two USSR championships in 1988 and 1989, along with two European Champions Cup golds in 1987 and 1988. (Attribution: coaching history archives)
From 1991 to 1995 Yanko worked in Finland with Veitera before returning to Russia to lead Vodnik. With Yanko at the helm, Vodnik won the Russian Championship seven times (1996–2000, 2004, 2005) and captured the Russian Cup in 1996, 2000, and 2005 (spring). The European Champions Cup claimed in 2004 and 2005, and World Cup successes in 2003 and 2004 also feature in his achievements. He briefly headed Zorkiy in 2001 before returning to Vodnik in 2003 and staying through 2005. (Attribution: club records and federation archives)
Later he led Dynamo Moscow again, steering the club to the Russian championship in 2006 and 2007, alongside two Russian Cups (2005 autumn and 2006) and both the European Cup and the World Cup titles. Between 2008 and 2010, he coached Kuzbass, before moving to other Dynamo teams, with two separate stints from 2010–2012 and 2013–2014. He added the national championship in 2011, the World Cup in 2010, and the National Cup in 2013 to his extensive trophy cabinet. (Attribution: career summary)
Yanko’s unique record includes becoming the only coach to lead four different teams to national championships: Yenisei, Vodnik, Dynamo Moscow, and Dynamo-Kazan. He also stands as the only coach in bandy history to guide a team to victory in six world championships. He first led the USSR national team in 1987 and secured world titles in 1989, 1991, 1999, 2001, 2006, and 2008. (Attribution: historical achievements in bandy)
After his coaching career, Yanko served as sports director for Rodina (2012–2013), Dynamo Moscow (2014–2016, 2018–2021), Baykal-Enerji (2016–2018), and his last role was with Kazan Ak Bars-Dynamo (November 2021 to May 2022). (Attribution: career timeline and club records)