HIS DATE IN HISTORY: Sept. 2
1972: In one of the most stunning games in hockey history, the Soviet Union defeats Canada 7-3 in the first game of the Summit Series at the Montreal Forum.
Most hockey observers in North America expect the first series between the Soviets, who are technically amateurs, and the first all-pro team to represent Canada to end in a Canadian sweep of the eight games. Those predictions look to be on the mark when Phil Esposito scores 30 seconds into the game and Paul Henderson makes it 2-0 at 6:32. But the Soviets soon get over their nervousness, tie the game 2-2 before the end of the period and take a 4-2 lead when Valeri Kharlamov scores twice in the second.
Bobby Clarke's goal at 8:32 of the third period makes it 4-3 and gives the fans at the Forum some hope, but the Soviets score three goals to complete the unexpected victory.
MORE MOMENTS
1943: Glen Sather is born in High River, Alberta. Sather plays 10 seasons in the NHL and one in the World Hockey Association, but he makes his real impact on hockey as a coach and executive, building the Edmonton Oilers into a team that wins the Stanley Cup five times in seven seasons from 1984-90. With Wayne Gretzky leading the way, the Oilers set records for goals scored that haven't been approached. Sather is elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.
1976: The Canada Cup, hockey's first true best-on-best championship tournament, begins when Canada defeats Finland 11-2 in Ottawa.
The event allows any player to represent his country, regardless of whether he's a pro or an amateur. It also marks a return to international competition for Canada after a six-year boycott of the IIHF.
Canada's opening night roster includes two players who don't play in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. Bobby Hull, who is ruled ineligible after leaving NHL for the World Hockey Association in the summer of 1972, scores two goals against Finland. Bobby Orr, who doesn't play against the Soviets because of knee problems, has three assists.
Entertainment Plaza - TV, Movies, Sports, Music, Soaps
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99
Babe Of The Month - Vote Now!
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonth.html
Hunk Of The Month - Vote Now!
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonthman.html
No comments:
Post a Comment