However, the International Ice Hockey Federation would later attribute this gold medal to Russia as the successor state.

As a result, there was no time to send a replacement for the Soviet national team, who was expected to compete at the Olympics.

[2] Despite the absence of superstars, the CIS team had no problems with talent,[5] boasting experienced veterans Vyacheslav Bykov, Andrei Khomutov and Alexei Zhamnov.

[6] The team was composed almost entirely of Russians, with Lithuanian-born Darius Kasparaitis and Ukrainian-born Alexei Zhitnik the only non-Russians.

[7] At the 1992 Winter Olympics held in Albertville, France, the national team finished with a 7–1 record, and won the gold medal by defeating Canada 3–1 in the final.