Eight games, two teams, one series. The Summit Series was a proving point for Canadian hockey and a defining event for Canadian identity. It was about who had the better national hockey team, the Canadians or the Russians, in 8 games. 4 games in Canada, then off to the last 4 in Russia. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Canadians were thrill-seekers during the Cold War, pre-Summit series, as were Canadians who played in the NHL and professionally were not allowed to play internationally. During the Cold War, Canada was located between the United States and the Soviet Union. Canadians needed something to distract them from the war happening above them. The Summit Series did just that. Canada as a country was more focused on the series than the war. The Canadian and Soviet teams were evenly matched. The series began with a loss to Canada 7–3 in Canada. The next three matches in Canada were won 4-1, drawn 4-4 and Russia 5-3. Canada was losing the series 2-1. They kept Canadians on their toes the entire time in Russia. They started in Russia with a defeat against Russia. The next two games went 3-2 Canada and 4-3 Canada. The series ended with 3 games won for each team. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay “The final match, on September 28, was intently watched by the largest Canadian television audience ever recorded.” (The Canadian Encyclopaedia) The final match began with two quick goals for the Soviets and the sending off of a Canadian player. In the third period, Canada was trailing 5-3. Phil Esposito and Yvan Cournoyer scored a goal each to end the game. The final minute was approaching and the score was still tied at 5-5 Canada was standing as the series could be decided with 1 goal up. Paul Henderson scores a goal with 34 seconds left on the clock. Canada erupts in applause. The game ends with a final score of 6-5 Canada this series, Canadian National Hockey League players were not eligible at any international level. This includes the World Championships or the Olympics. But the Russians who “played full time for the state” (Globe and Mail) were they had enough. Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada in 1968-1979 (Reg Whitaker), decided that in 1971 he would take up the issue with Soviet Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin. Soon after Russia was ready to test the NHL, 4 games in each country to see who was the best of the best.