You hit the nail on the head in so many ways with your book. I am a former Winnipeger, player and still a fan. However, I must disagree with your view that the Canadian win in 72 set hockey back. In fact, what it proved was that the most motivated team will prevail in a match of equals. This was mostly elequently proven in the recent 2002 winter Olympics. Canada, with talent second to none, was on a mission. The final against a talented US team proved that the team with the most desire would prevail. Hockey is all about passion and pride. when Lemeieux missed the wide open net it showed team Canada that nothing was going to come easily for them. They bore down and would not be denied. This was their game and they were not going to let anyone take it from them. Pride enabled Team Canada to attain a level of play that the US couldn't match.




The 72 Series did change the game of hockey forever and the lessons learned were implemented (albeit slowly) by Canadian hockey. What were the 80's Oilers except one of the most skilled club teams of all times? The play demonstrated by the 87 Canada cup winners? Simply the best. Heart, baby. "Ya gotta have heart."