After watching Game 4 and the Swedish game, I began wondering how Team Canada roster was chosen. Its impossible to criticize as they had no idea what they were getting themselves into. But, what was the selection criteria?
The man who got me asking this question was future Oiler Bill Goldsworthy.
To refresh, Game 4 – Two shifts, two penalties, two Soviet goals
In Sweden, first period, Two for Cross-Checking. On his way to the box, a Swede compliments him on his sideburns – Two more for spearing, plus Ten to ice the cake.
I'm thinking Penguin Jean Pronovost's 71-72 stats were just as good as this clown's. Why one and not t'other?
July 13, 1972. The Team Canada selection story was in the headlines. And...
I regret to report there is nothing to report. At the roster announcement Sinden mumbled something about balance [words to send a chill down any Oiler fan's spine]. But no details about the whys and why-nots.
He wasn't asked, or the answer wasn't reported because, frankly, no one cared. Let's face it, pessimistic Canadians thought the Series would go 6-1-1. Why worry about spare parts?
And there was the Bobby Hull story to devote column inches to. The deal between the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and the NHL stipulated that all players in the Maple Leafed jersey would be under an NHL contract by August 13. No one else's contract would do.
Hull, already signed with the Winnipeg Jets, was selected anyhow. Though, he had to wait til 74 to play.
New Philadelphia Blazer Bernie Parent? Not selected. Dave Keon had a certified cheque for $50,000 sitting in trust for him the minute he signed with the Ottawa Nationals. He didn't, but wasn't.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh paper completely ignored the Team Canada roster announcement.
Which leads me to -
Since it was the NHL's show anyways, wouldn't it have been in their interest to select Pronovost from Pittsburgh instead of Goldsworthy [Minnesota already had Parise]? And when they had to replace the WHA defectors, Dick Redmond [Mickey's brother] or Gilles Meloche from Oakland?
Neither of those cities had a player on the team. It may have been worth some off-season press in two non-prime NHL cities. I'm not talking about selecting bums for the sake of it, but 37 guys from 14 teams, it shouldn't have been that tough to spread some love around.
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