Yakushev at that time was considered the unconditional leader of the team,
and the attacking link with him, Shadrin and Shalimov was considered the best in the USSR.
Since 1967, the newly-made champion of the USSR in composition"Spartacus" Alexander Yakushev- hockey player of the national team.
Then he made his debut at the World Cup. In the match against the GDR Yakushev came on as a substitute and immediately scored. As a result, the USSR national team became the champion.