John Thompson brought along 10 guests.
Everton promises to wear Lederhosen next Friday at the Oktoberfest Lunch
Rob Way and Craig Herner from Hockey Helps the Homeless came to tell us about how they are helping the 274 homeless beds they support in the Region. They are still looking for a few more free agents to play.
The 7th Team is the non skating and. They are the fundraisers headed by Craig Herner. He could use your help too.
50/50 No one got the marble.
50th Anniversary of the 72 Series
John went to Moscow to cheer on the team with a group of friends.
On Oct 5th Icebreaker will be viewed at princess cinema 7PM. Based on the book Ice Wars. 3/4 sold out. Come on out.
John Thompson’s 1972 Moscow Adventure!
Back in the 70’s John ran a hockey camp in Huntsville
Paul Henderson, and Ron Ellis were instructors
John decided to organize a trip to Moscow to support the Canadian team.
He then got his friend to contact Alan Eagleson for tickets while he tried to charter a plane.
No luck getting tickets. No luck Chartering a plane.
But, travel agents were able to put together some trips. John found one group leaving from Montreal.
In the end 3000 people went.
John and friends got their tickets from Montreal which was where they had to fly from as well.
He got his passport the very morning he left. They had to fly Aeroflot.
They stayed at the Hotel Russia. 3000 room hotel.
Had to hand in and pick up keys every time they went anywhere. They felt like they were being watched constantly.
The first night, they rolled back the carpet where there was a bump. They unscrewed the bolts to see what was in the box. Turns out it was holding up the chandelier in the main ballroom. Whoops!
At the time, they could have a drink for 16 cents and even bartered cab rides for chewing gum.
As the games went on in Canada, it became clear how much more challenging it would be. After 4 games in Canada, the Russians led the series heading back to Europe.
The Team was out of shape and still hadn't gelled as a team. It was not until the team played a few games in Sweden that they came together.
While there, John attended the Moscow circus, but missed the Bolshoi Ballet. They did however take in the night life.
They spent one non hockey night at the American embassy drinking Pepsi and Beer.
The team won the next 2 and with the series tied, Sept 28 1972, the Canadians won game 8.
In the end, the whole trip cost $736 all in.
Kyle thanked John. Meeting ended at 1:30
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