me UPEI sUN’, Thur‘ sday, 2,1978, 15“
by John Cairns
1972 was memorable for international hockey. It was then the European stars first faced N.H.L. compe- tition. Team Canada and ' the Russian nationals en— gaged in an unforgettable eight game series that, swept both countries with almost unprecedented ex— citement and patriotism. 'lhe games provided many of the most electrifying moments in hockey history.
Like most good things, honever, international hockey is now simply being exploited. There are too many games and the top tal- ent is no longer always in- volved. Nbst of the conte- sts have become utterly meaningless. No more do Guy Lafleur, Bobby Hull and Bobby Clarke jam f0:— ces to battle Yakus‘nevs and the Tretiaks. Instead diluted European teams [confront often starless Canadian professional squ— ads. Even N.H.L. Presi— dent John Ziegler has con- fessed that too many inter- national games have been played, and that they must be more carefully scheduled.
How can something that was once so wonderful be- come such a problem? Some have admitted that the rea-- son is greed. Harold Bal- lard of the 'Ibronto Maple leafs is one of three. AHe complained that, "The (Zechs are only interested in the money. Their government sends them over here to collect the bucks. All they are is money grabbers." The same probably applies to North American hockey authorities. After all, it takes two to tango and in- ternational hockey does require mo participating nations. The logic that the only thing better than a Canada-Russia game is
I
- THE
_ two such games is rapidly
being disproven.
Even Chnadian players are finding matches with the Europeans a bore. Alan Eaglescn took the recent Super Series 78 seriously,
but the N.H.L. teams were casual indeed. They resen— their league schedule and downplayed the importance of the games. Most of. them used two goaltenders, and the Leafs temporarily re- placed several stars and sent minor leagers against the foreigners. Harold Ballard was extremely out— spoken in defending this action. He declared that, "We're not going to bust our butts trying to pick theirs- 'Ihese games are " utterly stupid; a very foolish way to do business." spectators were also
’ less than keen. Attenda-
nce for the series was gen-_ erally disappointing.
The fans at Maple Leaf Gardens were especially upset. They were disturbed by their team's attitude against the Czechs as well as "by its repeatedly boo- ing backup goalie Hal Mac- Rae and manor—lean de—_ fenseman Mike Pelyk. Eag— leson was quick to sym- Ipathizee. He insisted that, "In spite of Mr. Ballard's opposition the fans. who pay a top price should have seen Palmateer, Mc— Donald and Salmingé "Per- haps suchgames should be included in the N.H.L. standings. our teams might still, forget nation—
‘ al prestige, but at least
the players could be work— ing toward a play—off bo— nus. ' 7. Just what did Super Ser- ies 78 prove? Has Canada once again embarassed her- self against world compe-
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Pros;
tition? It is a matter of opinion. Our side won half the decisions and at . times looked vastly super— ior. We were better at .‘ face-offs, at forecheck— ing, and most certainly
at intimidation.
Anatori 'Iarasov, the former Soviet coach had sate timely praise for the Canadian game. "I am im-- pressed with your hockey, " he said. "It is like a ' tempernental, pretty girl who you can't forget. We are fond of Canadian hoc- key. We like your appre- ciation' for your game and
I
I we like your style'of fire
on ice. We like the way you produce players who establish new standards for the game."
Let's hot forget, Iriwever,
that the Europeans played Super Series on foreign
ice and still they were far from helpless. 'n'ey des- played fine conditioning, good passing, accurate Shooting and excellent skating. As usual their goaltending was also strong. Not all of then further more, are as easily im- pressed as is Tarasov.
\
One (nech coach for'in— ‘ stance, lamented that,
"I'm disappointed with the Canadians because they have little teamwork. The play- ers don't seem to co-op- erate with each other. "
Ben Hatskin, W.H.A. board chairman, also made an interesting content. Speaking about three Win- nipeg Jet losses. to the
‘Soviets in Japan, he de-
clared that, "'Ihe Russian team. is ' strong for
just one team, and I~don't care if they play the Man- treal Canadians or anyone. . . 'lhe N.H.L. teams are sca- red to play their (the Rus- sian) national team be- cause it could be any type of score that the Russians want." ’
'nne N.H.L. certainly wouldn't agree with such an appraisal a’nd'neitl'er would many Canadian fans. Nbst of us, however, are .
' simply concerned with see-
ing the best possible hoc- key. We Ilcan only hope that next season will see international games play- ed more seleCtively, and. analyzed by scueate other than Howie Maeker.
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