Celebrate 45 Years of Team Canada ’72 with a Special Episode of theZoomer

To be a Canadian hockey fan is to recognize the astonishing number of memorable moments the sport has brought to this country. From Maurice “Rocket” Richard becoming the first player to ever score 50 goals in 50 games; to Bobby Orr soaring through the sky after netting the 1970 Stanley Cup winning goal; to Wayne Gretzky becoming the all-time goal scoring leader; to Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, our hockey heritage has a depth that remains unmatched.

Watch this special Team Canada ’72 reunion episode of theZoomer on Monday, Sept. 25 at 10pm ET/7pm PT on VisionTV!

However, it’s been widely argued that the most important part of Canada’s hockey history is our team’s participation – and subsequent victory – of the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. At the time, the Cold War was much more frigid than the ice in a backyard rink and the confidence our players had burned hotter than a million candles. It was east versus west; it was us versus them.

Team Canada '72 - Phil Esposito

“Somebody told me once, when you win a Stanley Cup, you walk forever with those guys. When [Team Canada 1972] won…I walk forever with these guys.” – Phil Esposito

Team Canada ’72 featured some of the best players our country had ever produced, while the opponent featured relative unknowns. But, after the Soviet Union thumped Canada 7-3 in game one, in Montreal, a cakewalk for Canada could no longer be assumed. Throughout the eight game tournament, the competition got fierce, tempers flared and an international incident almost occurred.

In Game Eight – and a period away from what would’ve been considered a shocking defeat for Canada – third period goals from Phil Esposito and Yvan Cournoyer tied the score. Then, with 34 seconds left in regulation, Paul Henderson banged in one of the most famous and important goals this country has ever been a part of.

Forty-five years later, Team Canada ’72 is as respected as ever. Thus, we at “theZoomer” were ecstatic to welcome members of the team to participate in a conversation and celebration of that historic hockey series.

Team Canada '72 - Panel

Join us Monday, September 25 at 10pm ET/7pm PT for the world premiere of the 1972 Summit Series Anniversary episode of “theZoomer,” brought to you by CARP, Canada’s largest Advocacy Association for Canadians as we age.

Hosted by Marissa Semkiw and filmed at the ZoomerPlex in Toronto’s Liberty Village, Team Canada ’72 members Phil Esposito, Frank Mahovlich, Yvan Cournoyer, Brad Park, Jean Ratelle, Peter Mahovlich, Wayne Cashman, Ed Johnston, Pat Stapleton and John Ferguson Jr. (representing his late father John Ferguson), gather to reflect on the highs and lows of the Summit Series, as well as the memories that still stand out the most.

“The players want you to recognize that the 28,800 seconds [of the series] produced many, many emotions…but [the players came] together for Canada. We are all Canadians and we believe in Canada.”
– Pat Stapleton

Go behind the curtain to find out what members of Team Canada ’72 really thought about their opponents, how the games were played, as well as what it was like to be thrust into quite the unique and historic experience.

-Adam Grant

Team Canada '72 - Moses - CARP

Want to know more? Visit carp.ca/jointheteam

Stay tuned for our encore presentation of this special on Friday, September 29 at 2pm ET & 11pm ET.