Though I was not born, nor did I fully understand the bitterness and hate, I still knew exactly what was going on. Canada and Russia, bitter hockey rivals, in the thick of the Cold War. Political tensions so tight that a linoleum knife could deal a killer blow. An intense hatred that could only be explained in later years as comparable to Nickleback. The 1972 Summit series was the arguably the greatest hockey tournament ever, and I mean EVER.
In 1972, the Cold War was reaching its greatest heights. It turned into two countries playing for two different types or lifestyles, two different types of governments. Canada represented the USA's struggle for democracy, and its alliance against the Soviets in the Cold War. The Soviets on the other hand were fighting for communism. The Soviets had a point to prove, its strange how hockey was the tipping point.
Nevertheless this was the first tournament were NHL players took part. In that time, in the Olympics, NHL players did not participate. The Soviets had much Olympic experience because they played in Russia and did not have to abide by the rules of the NHL. Amateurs by definition, but far from it in on the ice. Canada had it all to do.
Canada was comprised of top names, Esposito, Both Mahovlich's, Bobby Clarke, Gilbert Perreault, and Yvan Cournoyer. Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe commanded the Canada's rearguard and Tony Esposito and Ken Dryden managed between the pipes. A lengendary lineup.
The tournament ensued. Marred by referee corruption, cheap shots, and even holding out on playing, The Summit series was intense. Fierce hatred started from game 1. Players and fans alike, loathing one another.
The games were so tight, so close. The games meant so much, Canada on the edge of its seat watching, waiting. Moments that will live in history were etched from that cold landscape. Bobby Clarke's infamous Slash, Parise's swing at the referee, and Sinden throwing a chair across the ice. And perhaps the most memorable, Paul Henderson's goal. A relative no one-turned Canadian Hero and legend overnight.
I've watched the Summit Series, and even though I couldn't understand a lot of it, I found myself hating the Russians, and on the edge of my seat roaring Canada on. An incredible feeling.
Fast-forward 35 years. 2007, the new Summit Series, the 8 game extravaganza that is the Super Series. This time played by two world junior teams. This time no one cares. And the worst part is they tried to play it up like it had some meaning. Well I'm going to break your bubble, IT DOESN'T.
There is no politically charged reasons, there are no big name NHLers, there isn't the same type of Rivalry. No matter how much Paul Macguire and his other retarded commentator want to compare it, it just doesn't. Has Canada forgot? Have they lost the feeling that once was the Summit Series? It doesn't compare in the slightest. It is so far from 1972. Even wearing those jerseys doesn't help.
People need to get a grip here. The Super Series is so lopsided its stupid. Yes I'm glad Canada is whipping some Russian Ass. But I am not happy about the comparisons. For me it doesn't do the legends of hockey justice. To me it is unfair.
We need to call this tournament for what it is. It's a lousy attempt to re-create something that is so legendary, that it is utterly impossible to do. Yet imbeciles truly believe they can recapture that magic. HAHA. Right....
I prefer to think of '72 like it is meant to be. I terrific memory, a sense of Canadian Pride, and recollection of one of the biggest moments in hockey history. I prefer to look at the Super Series at a awful attempt to relive something that is unattainable in todays culture.
