GUEST SPEAKERS at The Summit in 1972 This column features stories and unique views on the Summit'72 submitted by our visitors. Download the wallpaper: [800x600] [1024x768] [1154x864]

Hockey vs. Hockey
by Artur Sedov,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The Summit in 1972 comments: The '72 Summit Series had a tremendous impact not only on worldwide hockey development. It was a truly inspirational event for millions of fans all over the world. The Guest Speakers column of the Summit in 1972 usually features articles or stories by our guests. The Hockey vs. Hockey by Artur Sedov is a digital artwork inspired by the '72 Summit.

In a way, it is another example proving that, even three decades past the Summit, it still brings unforgettable memories and helps us to express ouselves in our daily activities even if they are not directly related to hockey.

The "Hockey vs. Hockey" was created through both traditional and digital media. It can be downloaded at the links above. The art is supposed to speak for itself. Here are just a few side notes by its author to go with the original art that he sent to the Summit in 1972 web site:

The 1972 Summit Series took place a decade before I was born. So, couldn't possibly remember where I was on that fateful September day, but the echo of history has managed to enchant me. "Hockey vs Hockey" is a manifestation of memories of something I never saw.

As a young kid growing up in the 1980's I wondered why my grandfather was so passionate about watching hockey. He'd tell me it was our guys playing the Canadians. But I was only 5 and to me they were red and white spots moving around on the TV screen.

Although I got my first hockey stick at age 3 and loved to chase the puck around with my buddies, it would take a flight across the Atlantic for me to develop a true love for hockey. In Canada, where hockey grows on trees, I found a passion for the game and a deep pride in the achievements of my former countrymen.

As a teenager I became a total Tretiak nut. I read his book on goaltending. I read everything I could find about him. I made drawings of him. I'd heard that he was the best there ever was. I still believe it is so. In 1999, my mother had the pleasure of meeting Vladislav Tretiak for lunch in Toronto and she showed him my drawings. He chuckled at how well I had captured the likeness of his nose and autographed the pictures in blue ball-pen. To say I felt honoured would be an understatement.

The Soviet National Team posted a record that is unlikely to ever be broken or repeated in a similar time span. Not only were they the winningest team in the history of international hockey. They were also the hardest working. They had sportsmanship. And their heroics have been nothing but inspirational for me.