Where were you Sept. 28, 1972?
Canadians gathered in living rooms, offices, factories, classrooms and bars across the nation to watch Game 8 of the Canada-Soviet Summit Series. The series was tied three games apiece with one tied. Here are some of their memories:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Well, I don't think anyone who was alive at that particular time is really going to forget where they were. I was in the gymnasium at John G. Aldhouse middle school [in Toronto] along with several other grade 7s and 8s watching the great moment, not just the Henderson goal but the great come-from-behind victory. And I should just say that, you know, one of the advantages as Prime Minister is that you get to meet so many people. And I’ve had the opportunity to meet Paul Henderson and to meet many members of that team ever since. They're all great Canadians. And I think it's an honour that's richly deserved and I wish them a very special day when that happens (induction onto the Walk of Fame in September.)
Dr. Bob McIntyre: Six establishment Rotary types left their professional or business offices to go to a banker friend's home to watch Canada play Russia in the final game of the hockey Summit Series on Sept. 28, 1972.
As the "sauce" was consumed, with it came many humorous stories with lots of laughter, in contrast to the serious attention being paid to the hockey game.
When Henderson scored the winning goal our group jumped to their feet with exhilaration, like high schoolers whose team had just won.
As we left for our respective homes each of us realized that we had just watched a memorable hockey game and a piece of hockey history.
Walter Stevens: I was in the Amber Lounge at Labatt in London. We were a team sponsor and sent them pallets of Blue. A signed stick from that series still hangs in that bar.
Sue Athersych: I was in one of the three gyms at West Ferris Secondary School in North Bay, Ont. watching a little black and white TV. Lots of noise!
Bryan Thomas: I was attending college in Toronto. Some of us skipped class to see the game in a bar. I think it was a Friday afternoon, which gave us a nice lead into the weekend.
Dave Jenkins: I was at West Ferris Secondary School in North Bay, Ont. and the wildest thing happened. The TV went off and everyone went postal. When we finally got the TV back on, Canada had scored to make it 5-4, then we all watched history. It was a sunny day and school closed for this moment in history.
Karen Orton: I remember the chant: da da Canada, nyet nyet Soviet.
Helen Waters: I was home in Ottawa at the time, with three small children, watching and enjoying a game I usually never watch – sorry northerners, but I never cottoned to the game.
I was in Math class with Mr. Lefebvre in grade 8. We all sat at our desk quietly keep our fingers crossed in hope for a goal. When Canada scored the tears rolled down my cheek and everyone scream with joy. What a proud moment that was.....already 40 years ago.