THUNDER BAY – It was a moment when it seemed all of Canada stopped to cheer. The 1972 Super Series between Team Canada and the CCCP National team was a time when hockey fever captured the hearts and minds of Canada. At school, classes stopped so students and teachers could watch the games live from Moscow.
Canada was expected to beat the Soviet National Team easily, but in Game One of the Super Series, played in Montreal, the Soviets outplayed and outscored Team Canada.
Once the four games in Canada were over, the Soviets were leading with two wins and a tie. Team Canada had won in Toronto, but lost two games. For many in Canada, our pride was bruised.
Once the series headed to Moscow, Team Canada was behind the proverbial eight-ball. A loss in Game Five of the eight game series meant Team Canada would have to win three games in a row in front of a hostile crowd, and against a very good opponent.
Canada won Game Six, and across the country pride started to grow, as the National Hockey League players on Team Canada started to get into their stride.
In both Game Seven, and then in Game Eight, Toronto Maple Leaf player, #19 Paul Henderson scored the winning goal.
The jersey that Henderson wore will be on display in Thunder Bay and in Kenora in March.
In Thunder Bay the jersey will be at the Port Arthur Stadium and Lisgar St. Parkette at 420 Lisgar St on March 10th. On March 12th, in Kenora, it will be at SmartCentres at 1305 Miikana Way.
For more information visit: www.hendersonjerseytour.com.
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