Mr. Speaker, hockey is our game and we play it best.
As we close the century it is fitting to acknowledge the game of the century, which took place 27 years ago on September 28, 1972. On that date the Canada-U.S.S.R. series, 480 minutes of nail-biting, heart-stopping hockey, was decided by only one goal with 30 seconds left in the game.
Everyone in my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie was riveted to their television sets to watch Team Canada and two of its favourite sons, Phil and Tony Esposito, who were instrumental in Team Canada's victory. In fact, it was Phil Esposito who set Henderson up for the winning goal.
Much has changed since that afternoon in 1972 but the people from my hometown will never forget this exciting series. There has not been one like it since.
These hockey legends live on. Both Esposito brothers are now hall of famers and I am proud to say that they were featured on CBC's Life and Times last evening.
The Sault is very proud of Phil and Tony Esposito.