Really interesting cache of “secret” and “confidential" papers just released by Canadian govt under Access to Information that detail correspondence by Canadian diplomats & intelligence officers during the lead up to the 1972 Summit Series and its impact after Canada's win.

Documents detail Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau in 1968 was given “for your eyes only” briefing about struggles of CDN teams to beat Soviets. “Simple question of sending a boy to do a mans work,” Secretary to federal cabinet OG Stoner wrote to PM.

At that time, only amateur hockey players, not pros, could compete internationally for Canada. Stoner suggested Canadian govt entice players to delay entry to NHL with paid salaries, keeping them year-round on the national team.

Soviet officials sought to assure the Canadian govt that when the Canadian team scored and went ahead in games in Moscow, the Soviet fans were simply cheering, “Friendship” supporting both sides.

Canadian ambassador RAD Ford wrote the PMO in an Oct. 4, 1972 letter that Soviet-Canadian relations had been improved by the Summit Series and that Soviets had been “riveted on Canada to an extent which must be the envy of all other diplo missions in Mosco.”

Ford: “TV audience in USSR was rated at aprox 150M people. French ambassador complained jocularly last game ruined dinner part he was giving. Waiters and guests only interested in the game.”

Ford: "Many viewers no doubt genuinely felt that CDNs played a rough tough dirty game and the Soviet press is still playing up this aspect. But none could have failed to be thrilled by marvellous display of first class hockey."