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Oh to be older

Sometimes I wish I were older. I know that sounds counterintuitive from someone whose grey hairs are starting to outnumber those for the dark ones and the knees are starting to protest, but I do.

Sometimes I wish I were older.

I know that sounds counterintuitive from someone whose grey hairs are starting to outnumber those for the dark ones and the knees are starting to protest, but I do. On Canada’s 150th and Barrhead’s 90th birthday, I found myself thinking back to what one event I would like to have been able to see and participate in.

For me, it is the 1972 Summit Series.

For those of you who were too young to remember, the original Summit Series was eight games that pitted the best ‘amateur’ hockey players in Russia against the best Canadian players from the NHL in an eight game series.

For decades, Canada dominated international hockey — winning almost at will, until 1954. That is when the Soviet Union entered international hockey. From that point on the Soviets dominated international sport.

But in 1972, Canada would get its chance to prove its supremacy on the ice by fielding a team comprised of the best players from the NHL.

Not only would this series prove Canada the best in hockey, but as team captain Phil Esposito has said in countless interviews, ideology as well. The series, which was played at the height of the ‘Cold War’ was to show the world that capitalism was the better system over communism.

The first four games were played in Canada beginning in Montreal. The first game proved to be an eye-opener for Team Canada as well as the country. In what was supposed to be a ‘cake walk’, Canada lost the opening game of the series 7 to 3. In the next game in Toronto, Canada responded with a good effort and won 4 to 1. The next game, in Winnipeg, the teams skated to a 4 to 4 tie.

After a shocking loss in Montreal and a less than impressive effort in Winnipeg, it was becoming obvious that Canadian fans were becoming increasingly frustrated with the results. When Team Canada stepped on to the ice for warm up in Vancouver they were booed.

In a score that flattered Canada, losing 5 to 3, the team left the ice to a chorus of boo’s, prompting Canada’s team captain, Esposito to make his famous speech:

“To the people across Canada, we tried. We gave it our best. Every one of us guys -- 35 guys -- we came out because we love our country. Not for any other reason. We came because we love Canada.”

To win the series and prove Canada’s supremacy - Canada would have to win three of the four games.

And that is exactly what they did. After losing the first game, Canada won the remaining three games in a series of intensely physical games.

On Sept. 28, 1972, the nation watched Paul Henderson cement a moment into Canada’s collective memories. If you are a Canadian over 50 you know where you were when Paul Henderson scored the ‘goal that was heard around the world.’

I just wish I would have been there to see it.


Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
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