Team Canada x Phil Esposito [1972]

Hello readers, welcome to another jersey entry for this blog. Today happens to be a very outstanding addition; Phil Espositio's Team Canada home jersey worn during the Summit Series in 1972. I have finally reached the top of my hockey collection. I was thinking of doing a full blown career article, but since this is an international piece, I decided to focus more on this time frame.


I purchased this jersey from an online seller, and judging from the material - it was definitely a bargain. Although it did have a set of numbers stitched on, it was removed flawlessly. When it came to customizing the jersey, I went with the best player on the team.


The uniform bears stitched letters and numbers as well as double layered elbows, a commemorative patch, and fight strap. Made by Athletic Knit, it's definitely a rare piece considering all reproduced versions of this jersey are made by other companies.



Born on 20 February 1942 in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada, Philip Anthony Esposito was selected to play for Team Canada by the coach, managers, and organizers of the event. The reigning Art Ross Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champ would serve as a co-captain for the 35-man roster.


September 1972 marked one of the most memorable months for the country of Canada. Our finest NHL players faced the USSR hockey team in an 8 game bout [four in Canada, four in USSR] known as the Summit Series. In what was supposed to be a friendly match between the two nations turned out to become a battle for hockey superiority at the height of The Cold War.


What most writers dubbed "a cake walk" for Canada, the overweight and sluggish team had managed to win only one out of four games in North America [Game 3 ended with a tie]. In the final game played in Vancouver, Phil Esposito's post-game interview helped rally the nation to get back on Canada's side before flying overseas to the Soviet Union.


On USSR soil, the Canadians lost their first game, but managed to take the remaining three for the series victory due to a late goal scored by Paul Henderson with an assist by Phil Esposito. This goal would solidify Canada's dominance for their national pastime and has become one of the defining moments in our nation's history.


Summit Series Statistics:
8 GP, 7 G, 6 A, 13 Pts, +/- 2


In 2005, the entire team was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and earned a spot on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012.


"We're not gonna lose. No way we're gonna lose. Let's go out there and kick the hell out of 'em." - Phil Esposito