Canada is One Game From Defeat Game 5 September 22 Luzhniki Sports Palace (filing from Moscow) Phil Esposito’s spill at centre ice during the pre-game ceremony surely was an omen, even if he ended with a gracious bow to the laughing fans. True to form, “Team Fade” fell on its Read more
Hockey fans from 10 provinces are ready to party September 21The Canucks Have Landed (filing from Moscow) Although I was a working journalist for part of the international hockey summit, I was not part of the official NHL entourage of regulars and had to travel as a tourist to Moscow—as Read more
His mother was the driving force behind his hockey career After the game tonight, I had a promised sit-down with Vladislav Tretiak, arranged with the help of Canadian diplomat Gary Smith, who is travelling with the team in Canada. I filed this report: For many National Hockey League stars, Dad Read more
‘We’re doing the best we can’ — Phil Esposito September 8 Game 4 (filing from Vancouver)Once again, indiscipline cost Team Canada dearly. Two unnecessary penalties by right-winger BillGoldsworthy — one for cross-checking, the other for elbowing — allowed the Russians to score twice with a man advantage. Both goals were Read more
A swagger that belies their youth September 7 (Filing from Vancouver) When veteran forward Vyacheslav Starshinov packed his skates for Canada, he also included a novel item for a professional hockey player: a lengthy two-page psychological questionnaire on hockey which he hopes will help him gain a master’s in philosophy. Read more
‘A great change that is good for hockey in general’ September 6, 1972, Room 1914, Northstar Hotel, Winnipeg Ken Dryden dropped by my hotel room today, vainly attempted to call his old Winnipeg landlady, then talked for more than an hour about what the Canada-Russia series means to hockey everywhere. Read more
The Russians hold Canada to a Draw September 6 Game 3 — (filing from Winnipeg) After Canada’s 7-3 humiliation at the hands of the Soviet Union Saturday, coach Harry Sinden decided to introduce some muscle into Canada’s second game line-up in Toronto Monday. Sinden turned in particular to bruising Boston Read more
The 1972 massacre through the eyes of the athletes in the Olympic village Monday marks the 50th anniversary of what has come to be known as the Munich Massacre, after the nine Israeli coaches and athletes taken hostage were all killed after a botched hostage rescue attempt by West German Read more
In Game 2, Team Canada Gets Its Act Together September 4 Game 2 — (filing from Toronto) The Novosti correspondent wondered about the impact on Prime Minister Trudeau’s re-election bid next month. The president of the Toronto Maple leafs termed it “a national disaster.” The Toronto Globe and Mail columnist Read more