The Canada-Russia Super Series
Once dubbed ‘The Friendship Series’, the Summit Series’ original title was long forgotten when the Soviet Union and Canada took to the ice in their eight-game tournament back in 1972. In that historical tournament, the Canadians defeated the Soviet Union, but rest assured it was a hard fought battle in four games to three including one tie.
The Summit Series was just the beginning of Canada-Russia tensions. The rivalry has continued throughout the years at various international events, World Championships and Olympic Games (think Sidney Crosby versus Alexander Ovechkin in the National League). Canadians have a long history of hockey dominance, but an even longer history of rivalry with our European foe.
From November 8-18th for the eighth consecutive year at the junior level, the best Canadian Hockey League players will face off against the best young Russian players.
And this year, I will be there!
First of all for those of you who aren’t quite sure of what this event is, let me put it into perspective for you: last year 21 of 22 Team Canada World Juniors played in the Super Series. The tournament is essentially used as the final evaluation tool for players vying for a spot on the squad. Eight Russians who played in the Super Series tournament were also named to the Russian national junior team.
The six-set series is comprised of regional CHL teams and will include games in Saint John’s and Quebec represented by the QMJHL, games in London and Sudbury represented by the OHL, and games in Kamloops and Prince George represented by the WHL.
For the Kitchener Rangers, smooth-skating defenseman Ryan Murphy has been named to Team OHL and will play in London on Remembrance Day against Team Russia. Murphy was drafted in the first round (3rd overall) in the 2009 OHL Draft, and has been infamously touted by Don Cherry as the potential 2011 top-pick after a stellar rookie campaign.
For all the Miracle fans out there (like me), Vladislav Tretiak has been named an honorary captain for the game. Tretiak played for the Soviet Union and had a 1.78 career GAA and won three Olympic Gold medals and 10 World Championships….not bad.
