CANADA HISTORY

72 Super Series

The 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union was one of the most iconic moments in hockey history and a defining moment for Canadian nationalism. Beyond being a test of athletic skill, the series was a symbolic clash between the Cold War ideologies of capitalism and communism, represented through a competition between two hockey superpowers. The event transcended sports, becoming a referendum on national pride, the superiority of political systems, and the cultural significance of hockey to both nations. It was not only a contest of athletes but also a showdown between East and West, played on the frozen battleground of the world’s fastest game.

Background and the Cold War Context

In the years following World War II, tensions between the Soviet Union and Western countries intensified, leading to the Cold War. The conflict manifested not only in politics and military rivalry but also in sports, where international competitions became proxy battles between rival ideologies. The Soviet Union had long dominated Olympic hockey, having won multiple gold medals, but their players were officially classified as amateurs. Meanwhile, professional players in the National Hockey League (NHL) were barred from international competitions, particularly the Olympics, meaning that Canada's best were never pitted against the Soviet Union’s finest.

By the early 1970s, both Canada and the USSR sought a resolution to the impasse. Canada, having withdrawn from Olympic hockey in protest of the exclusion of professionals, believed that its NHL stars could decisively prove the nation’s hockey dominance. The Soviets, confident in their meticulously trained and disciplined team, were eager to test their skills against the world’s best professionals. Thus, the 1972 Summit Series—a clash of titans—was born.

The Build-Up and High Expectations

The Summit Series was to be an eight-game contest, with the first four games held in Canada and the final four in Moscow. Canada fielded a team composed of its NHL stars, including legends such as Phil Esposito, Bobby Clarke, and Paul Henderson. The Soviets, led by coach Vsevolod Bobrov and players like Valeri Kharlamov and Vladislav Tretiak, represented the pinnacle of their nation’s hockey program.

Most Canadians expected a quick and decisive victory, predicting an easy 8-0 sweep. This confidence stemmed from the belief that the Soviet players, though successful in international amateur play, would be no match for the talent and toughness of NHL professionals. Nationalism ran high, and the games were framed as a contest not just of hockey prowess but of the values underlying Canadian and Soviet societies.

Game 1: A Shocking Beginning

The opening game on September 2, 1972, in Montreal, quickly shattered Canadian illusions of an easy victory. Canada jumped to an early 2-0 lead, which seemed to confirm pre-series expectations. However, the Soviets, with their superior conditioning and tactical discipline, roared back, scoring seven goals to win 7-3. The result stunned Canadian fans, shaking their confidence in the nation's dominance in the sport it had invented. Soviet players like Tretiak in goal and Kharlamov as a forward proved that they were world-class athletes, capable of competing at the highest level.

The Series Heats Up: Games 2 to 4

Game 2 in Toronto saw a determined Canadian squad pull out a 4-1 victory, temporarily restoring national pride. However, Game 3 in Winnipeg ended in a 2-2 tie, and Game 4 in Vancouver was a low point for Team Canada. In a 5-3 loss, the Canadians were outclassed, prompting fans to boo their own team as they left the ice. In a passionate post-game interview, Phil Esposito expressed his deep disappointment in the Canadian fans who had turned on their players. His emotional outburst, broadcast across the nation, became a rallying cry, as Esposito reminded Canadians that the players were fighting not just for victory, but for national pride.

The Soviet Leg of the Series: Games 5 to 7

The series moved to Moscow for the final four games, with Canada down 1-2-1. In Game 5, Canada squandered a 4-1 lead, ultimately losing 5-4, a result that seemed to seal the series for the Soviets. The situation was dire for Team Canada—down 3-1 in the series with only three games left. Some key Canadian players departed, further weakening the team.

However, the turning point came in Game 6 when Team Canada, backed into a corner, played with desperation. Bobby Clarke’s infamous slash on Soviet star Kharlamov, though brutal, shifted the momentum of the game. Canada eked out a 3-2 win, reviving hopes of a comeback. Game 7 was another fierce contest, marked by rough play and escalating tensions, but Canada emerged with a narrow 4-3 victory, thanks to a late goal from Paul Henderson. The series was now tied at 3-3-1, setting up a dramatic final showdown.

Game 8: The Decisive Battle

Game 8 on September 28, 1972, is etched in Canadian history as one of the most important sporting events ever. The entire country came to a standstill as Canadians across the nation crowded around televisions and radios to witness the final chapter in this epic contest. In the Soviet Union, a similarly intense atmosphere prevailed, as the stakes for both countries extended far beyond hockey.

The game was a nail-biter. The Soviets jumped to a 5-3 lead, but Team Canada, spurred on by Esposito, clawed their way back. Yvan Cournoyer scored to tie the game at 5-5 in the third period. Then, with just 34 seconds left, Paul Henderson scored what would become known simply as “The Goal”—a dramatic game-winner that secured the series for Canada. Henderson’s goal was not just the winning tally; it was a moment of national catharsis. Canada erupted in celebration, and Henderson became a national hero.



The Aftermath and Historical Impact

The 1972 Summit Series was much more than a hockey series—it was a cultural and political milestone for both Canada and the Soviet Union. For Canada, it was a moment of national unity, where the country rallied together in the face of adversity and ultimately triumphed. It reaffirmed Canada’s identity as a hockey nation and bolstered its national pride during a period of political uncertainty, as the country grappled with issues of Quebec nationalism and questions about its place on the international stage.

The series also highlighted the shifting nature of Cold War relations. While the games were hard-fought and the rivalry intense, the mutual respect that developed between the players and fans from both countries helped thaw some of the icy relations between East and West. The series demonstrated that while Canada and the Soviet Union had very different political systems and ideologies, they shared a deep passion for hockey—a passion that could transcend the Cold War divide.

In the years following the series, Canadian hockey fans and players gained a newfound respect for Soviet hockey, leading to greater international cooperation and the eventual integration of Soviet and European players into the NHL. The Summit Series also underscored the increasing importance of conditioning, discipline, and international competition in the sport, forever changing the way hockey was played and perceived in Canada and around the world.

Legacy

The legacy of the 1972 Summit Series endures to this day. Paul Henderson’s goal remains one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sports history, and the series is often cited as the defining moment of Canada’s national sport. The series also had lasting impacts on international hockey, leading to the expansion of Canada’s involvement in global competitions and paving the way for future international tournaments, such as the Canada Cup and the World Cup of Hockey.

In a broader sense, the Summit Series is remembered as a moment when hockey became a symbol of national unity and pride in Canada. It provided a narrative of perseverance, teamwork, and triumph that resonated with Canadians for generations. The 1972 series stands not just as a historical event but as a symbol of Canadian determination, resilience, and love for the game that remains at the heart of its national identity.