1972: The Summit Series That Changed Hockey Forever

The Backstory

The Cold War was at its height in the early 1970s, and hockey was one of the few areas where the Soviet Union and Canada could compete on equal footing. In 1972, the two countries agreed to a historic eight-game series that would be known as the Summit Series.

1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever

by Scott Morrison

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	138023 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	342 pages

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The Soviets were the heavy favorites. They had won the gold medal at the previous three Winter Olympics and had a roster full of superstar players, including Vladislav Tretiak, Valeri Kharlamov, and Sergei Makarov.

The Canadians, on the other hand, were a bit of an underdog. They had not won an Olympic medal since 1968 and their team was made up of mostly amateur players.

The Games

The Summit Series was played in four cities: Montreal, Toronto, Moscow, and Leningrad. The games were intense and physical, and the atmosphere was electric.

The Soviets won the first game of the series, but the Canadians came back to win the next two. The Soviets then won the fourth and fifth games, putting the Canadians on the brink of elimination.

In the sixth game, the Canadians pulled off a miraculous comeback, winning 4-3 in overtime. Paul Henderson scored the winning goal with just 34 seconds remaining.

The Canadians then won the seventh game in Moscow, setting up a winner-take-all eighth game in Leningrad.

The Eighth Game

The eighth game of the Summit Series was one of the most dramatic games in hockey history. The Soviets took an early lead, but the Canadians came back to tie the game in the third period.

With just seconds remaining in the game, Paul Henderson scored the winning goal, giving Canada a 4-3 victory and the series.

The Canadian victory was a major upset and a source of great national pride. It also helped to thaw relations between the Soviet Union and Canada.

The Legacy

The Summit Series had a profound impact on hockey. It helped to popularize the sport in North America and it led to the creation of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The Summit Series also changed the way that hockey was played. The Soviets introduced a new style of play that was faster and more physical than the traditional Canadian style.

The Summit Series is still considered one of the greatest moments in hockey history. It is a story of triumph, heartbreak, and national pride.

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If you are a fan of hockey, then you need to read 1972: The Summit Series That Changed Hockey Forever. This book tells the complete story of the series, from the backstory to the eighth game.

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