Introduction
Valeri Bure, the retired Russian professional hockey player, has made a name for himself in the world of ice hockey. In this article, we will delve into Valeri Bure’s net worth and explore his remarkable career. Keep reading to discover more about this talented athlete and his journey to success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Valeri Bure was born on June 13, 1974, in Moscow, Russia. Coming from a noble background, with ancestors who served the imperial Russian family for over a century, Bure’s upbringing was steeped in tradition. At the age of nine, Bure’s parents separated, and he, along with his father and older brother Pavel, ventured to North America. Initially settling in Los Angeles, the brothers eventually became estranged from their father.
Bure’s hockey career took off when he joined the Spokane Chiefs in 1991, becoming the first Russian player in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He showcased his skills and quickly made an impact, scoring 49 points in his debut season. The following season, he further solidified his position as a rising star, recording an impressive 147 points and finishing second overall in WHL scoring. Bure’s final season with the Chiefs saw him tallying 102 points, earning him a spot on the Second All-Star Team. He left the WHL with an impressive 298 points to his name.
Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames
In the 1994-95 season, Bure turned professional and spent most of his time with the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Fredericton Canadiens. It was during this period that he made his NHL debut against the New York Islanders. While overshadowed by his superstar brother Pavel, Bure faced the challenge of living up to high expectations while battling various injuries.
For the 1997-98 season, Bure was traded to the Calgary Flames. He quickly made his mark on the team by scoring his first career hat-trick in one of his early games. Bure soon established himself as one of the Flames’ top scorers. His 26 goals and 53 points in the 1998-99 season ranked third on the team. Bure’s offensive prowess earned him a place on the World team in the 2000 All-Star Game, where he had the opportunity to play alongside his brother. The brothers’ combined goal total of 93 during that season set an NHL record for scoring by a set of siblings.
Despite a slightly less successful 2000-01 season, Bure still managed to score 27 goals, second only to Jarome Iginla’s 31 on the team. However, conflicts with the coaching staff arose as they pushed Bure to adopt a more defensive style of play, contrasting with his natural offensive instincts.
Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars
In the summer of 2001, Bure was traded to the Florida Panthers. However, his career with the team was interrupted by injuries, causing him to miss a significant number of games. Bure’s season was cut short in mid-March due to another injury, limiting his appearances to just 31 games. The following season brought further setbacks, with injuries and declining performance plaguing his time with the Panthers. Consequently, Bure was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where yet another injury hindered his on-ice contributions.
Bure returned to the Panthers for the 2003-04 season, finally free from injuries. He became one of the team’s offensive leaders, notching 20 goals and leading the team in scoring with 45 points.
In 2004, Bure was traded to the Dallas Stars. Although he only played 13 regular-season games with the team, he made an impact by contributing 7 points. In the playoffs, Bure recorded three assists in five games. Following the canceled NHL season in 2004-05, he signed with the Los Angeles Kings for the 2005-06 season. Unfortunately, a back injury prevented him from playing a regular-season game, and subsequent surgeries forced him to miss the entire season. Ultimately, these circumstances led Bure to retire from the NHL.
International Achievements
Bure’s international playing career began with the Russian national junior team in the 1994 World Junior Championship. He emerged as the team’s leading scorer, helping Russia secure the bronze medal with eight points in six games. Later that year, Bure made his debut with the senior Russian team in the 1994 World Championship.
In 1998, Bure represented Russia in his first Winter Olympics, where he and his brother Pavel played pivotal roles in securing a silver medal. Four years later, at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Bure contributed to Russia’s bronze medal-winning campaign.
Valeri Bure’s Net Worth
Valeri Bure’s net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. The retired hockey player accumulated his wealth through his successful NHL career and various endeavors off the ice. Notably, Bure appeared in the 2000 NHL All-Star Game and achieved significant scoring feats throughout his time in the league.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 1996, Bure married actress Candace Cameron, known for her role in the popular television show “Full House.” The couple has three children: Natasha, Lev, and Maksim. Bure became an American citizen in 2001.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Bure participated in the second season of the Canadian figure skating reality television show “Battle of the Blades.” Paired with figure skater Ekaterina Gordeeva, he emerged as the winner and generously donated his share of the prize money to the humanitarian aid organization Compassion Canada.
Bure and his wife have explored entrepreneurial ventures, including opening a restaurant called The Milk and Honey Cafe in Florida. They later closed the establishment upon relocating to California, where they established the Bure Family Wines winery in Napa Valley.
Real Estate Ventures
Over the years, Bure and his wife have invested in various real estate properties. In September 2001, they purchased a home in Plantation, Florida, for $1.377 million. Following Bure’s stint with the Florida Panthers, they sold the house in 2015 for $1.455 million. Around the same time, they acquired a residence in Malibu, California, for $2.355 million. In 2012, they acquired a two-acre rural home in St. Helena, California, further expanding their real estate portfolio.
Conclusion
Valeri Bure’s journey as a professional hockey player has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. From his early years in the WHL to his impressive NHL career, Bure’s passion and skill have left an indelible mark on the sport. With a net worth of $14 million, he has secured his place among the esteemed ranks of professional athletes. As Bure and his wife continue to explore new ventures and enjoy family life, his legacy as a talented hockey player remains intact.