CBC Archives

Over 30 years have passed since the historic confrontation between the two dominant hockey powers took place. The Canada-Soviet hockey series went beyond the superficial level of just a hockey series. It was a vindication of lifestyles and political ideologies, and became an intense competition based on national pride. The intensity and focus on the participants in this event affected their lives irrevocably. For some, the event was the climax of their careers. For others, it was a launching pad to other great moments. Others experienced great personal tragedy. The series also affected hockey organizations and the way the game is played in Canada.

Students select two or three of the items on the following list and conduct in-depth online research to create a highlight reel of the past 30 years.

Vsevolod Bobrov

Bobby Clarke

Ken Dryden

Alan Eagleson

Phil Esposito

Paul Henderson

Valeri Kharlamov

Harry Sinden

Vladislav Tretiak

Alexander Yakushev

“Amateur” world hockey

Hockey players in the NHL

The NHL and world hockey

Summit series “clones”

The USSR

Research should focus on a person’s accomplishments, highs and lows, and future after the series; or on changes to a country, concept, or idea over the last 30 years. Students should include an analysis of the impact of the series on the items from the list they have chosen. Students may present their information through a Web page, videotape, audio tape, poster display, written essay, speech, or any other media of their choice.

Have students deliver their presentations to the class. At the conclusion of the presentations, students will write a short essay about how the series changed the way hockey is played today.