Originally published on IHWC.NET in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd Like other Russian athletes, members of the national hockey team experience a wide range of emotions when they hear their anthem played at a sporting event. As of December 2000, Russia reverted to using the music of the old Soviet anthem by assent of the Duma, […]

Originally published on IHWC.NET in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd Hockey is an emotional game. In a sport played at high speed, where sticks and bodies clash and tempers run high, it’s only to be expected that controversy will flare up from time to time. And sometimes, those controversial moments linger in our memories for years […]

Originally published on IHWC.NET in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd “Ouch! Help! Stop! No!” From 1954 to 1991, those were probably the words you’d hear most frequently from Swedish players in games against the Soviet national team. At the World Championships, European Championships and Olympics, the Swedes won a paltry five out of 58 confrontations with […]

Originally published on IHWC.NET in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd The IIHF World Championships sometimes provide a rude awakening for top Canadian NHL players who struggle to find their game against talented Europeans on the big ice surface. Then again, some Canadian NHLers look great in front of the European crowds, showcasing skills that they never […]

Originally published on IHWC.NET in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd Russian hockey fans have music in their hearts today as they await the result of tonight’s gold medal clash between their team and Slovakia. Here are five great Russian moments at the World Championships. 1: Let’s Get This Party Started Russia beats Canada 7-2 before a […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2007 By Lucas Aykroyd When Cassie Campbell announced her retirement from competitive hockey in August 2006, she had clearly established herself as one of the most recognizable faces in Canadian women’s hockey. During a career highlighted by two Olympic and six World Championship gold medals, she captained Canada in 50 […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2007 By Lucas Aykroyd In August 2005, one of the most shocking events in women’s hockey history took place. Ben Smith, then-head coach of the USA national team, decided to cut longtime captain Cammi Granato from the roster for the upcoming Turin Olympics. The Americans paid the price for Smith’s […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2007 By Lucas Aykroyd Geraldine Heaney is often called “the Bobby Orr of women’s hockey,” and just like the great Boston Bruins defenceman, one spectacular goal this Canadian legend scored always stands out in the minds of fans. Who can forget the image of Orr sailing through the air after […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2007 By Lucas Aykroyd To the uninitiated passerby, the scene inside the suite at Winnipeg’s famous Fort Garry Hotel on Friday night might have looked like just another business mixer or high school reunion: people chatting animatedly, fruit platters and chilled drinks. But this was no ordinary get-together. After all, […]

Originally published on HockeyCanada.ca in 2005 By Lucas Aykroyd At this stage of Alexander Edler’s career, some observers might project the 19-year-old to be a poor man’s version of Nicklas Lidstrom. That wouldn’t be a bad thing. But don’t forget something else: both those Swedish defencemen were drafted in the third round of the NHL […]