Canada and the U.S.S.R. play the hockey Series

March 30, 2017

Summit Series puck, 1972. Canadian Museum of History, 2015.24.5

1972

The 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union represented a defining moment in Canadian sports history. The Soviets shocked Canadian hockey fans by winning two and tying one of the first four games, played in Canada. After the series shifted to the Soviet Union, Canada won four of the next five games, including the series’ deciding game, which ended with a dramatic last-minute goal. In a Cold War context, the Summit Series took on larger significance in Canada as it was seen to symbolically pit the forces of capitalism and liberal democracy against communism and totalitarianism.

Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.