1974 Summit Series—Page 2

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Strong start

The series opened in Quebec City on September 17 and Hull’s goal with 5:42 remaining lifted Canada to a 3-3 tie. Game two in Toronto was a 4-1 Canadian victory, but the Soviets stormed back in game three with an 8-5 triumph in Winnipeg. The fourth game was a 5-5 tie in Vancouver.

Rough road trip

The Soviets won the fifth game 3-2 in Moscow. Two nights later, the hosts prevailed 5-2 in a contest marred by a post-game scrap.

Canada appeared to have won game seven on Hull’s late marker, but Canadian referee Tom Brown ruled that time had expired. The pivotal game ended in a 4-4 tie.

Had Canada won the seventh game, it could have salvaged a series tie by winning game eight. Dispirited by their missed opportunity, Canada dropped the final contest, 3-2.

Hull led the series with seven goals and two assists for nine points, while the ageless Howe collected three goals and four helpers. Canada’s average age was 30 while the Soviets’ was 23.

Fan Friendly

The results of the WHA/Soviet Series must be measured beyond what was on the scoreboard.

Hunter staged the team’s training camp in Edmonton, where he opened the workouts to the public and watched 5,000 fans pack the Ice Gardens for every session.

Hunter also set up a four-game exhibition series with an all-star junior team. Games were held in Calgary, Medicine Hat, Saskatoon and Edmonton.

After every game, Hull and the rest of Team Canada would sign autographs until the last child went home.

"For me personally, it was the most thrilling ride I’d ever been on," wrote Hunter in Wild Bill. "For two months, we were the center of attention in the hockey world and I thrived on it."

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