The FlyersRed Army Game: An Iconic Moment in Hockey History
Background
The FlyersRed Army game was an international ice hockey exhibition match played on January 11, 1976, between the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Soviet national team, known as the Red Army. The game took place at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Flyers
The 1976-77 season was the Philadelphia Flyers' tenth in the NHL. They finished first in the Patrick Division with a record of 40-29-11, scoring 348 goals and allowing 235. The Flyers were known for their aggressive style of play and physical toughness.
The Red Army
The Red Army team was comprised of the best players from the Soviet Union, which was considered the dominant force in international hockey at the time. The team was coached by the legendary Viktor Tikhonov and featured stars such as Vladislav Tretiak, Valeri Kharlamov, and Sergei Makarov.
The Game
The FlyersRed Army game was a highly anticipated event, with tickets selling out in minutes. The game was played in front of a packed crowd of 17,008 fans and was broadcast live on television across North America.
The game was a close and competitive affair, with the Flyers taking an early lead before the Red Army came back to tie the score. The Flyers regained the lead in the third period, but the Red Army tied the game again late in the period. The game went into overtime, and the Flyers eventually won 4-3 on a goal by Bobby Clarke.
Aftermath
The FlyersRed Army game was a significant moment in hockey history. It was the first time that a North American team had defeated the Soviet national team in an international exhibition match. The game helped to raise the profile of the NHL and brought international attention to the sport of ice hockey.
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