oral histories

A team of U.S. college kids shocked the world by defeating the powerhouse Soviet Union en route to winning Olympic gold. Sure, it was just a hockey game, but it gave a hurting country a much-needed boost, and maybe even helped end the Cold War.

It was the last best-on-best series between hockey’s two powerhouse nations. Canada versus the Soviets. Each of the games ended up 6-5. The final goal in the final game could have been scored by Larry Murphy with an easy tap-in. Instead, it was a masterpiece created by two of the best players to ever put on skates.

It took less than 24 hours for Gritty to transform from abomination to obsession. But before that fateful day, there were months of planning – and four different kinds of eyebrows.

It was about the pucks and bucks, first and foremost, but lest we forget the acrobats, blood-soaked mascots and accidental on-ice sex acts. There’ll never be another partnership like the one between the Pittsburgh Penguins and CSKA Moscow, which changed Russian hockey forever.

The hockey world remembers Marc-Andre Fleury’s infamous own-goal, which handed the U.S. the title. For 55 minutes before that, though, it was a rollercoaster match. The key performers share their memories, triumphant and gut-wrenching, 15 years later.

His sublime talent was evident when he was four years old. Here, in his own words and from the people who know him best, is the story of Connor McDavid from minor hockey to the NHL.

NHL '94 is considered the greatest version of digital puck ever produced. This is the story of how it came to be.

Ten years ago, the San Jose Sharks sent an envoy of players, coaches and executives to run the China Sharks and raise hockey’s profile in the most populated country in the world. It was a largely frustrating experience, full of culture shock and meddling officials. But it had its moments.

Twenty-five years ago, in October 1992, The Mighty Ducks flew into movie theaters and changed hockey forever.

When L.A. eliminated Edmonton from the 1982 NHL playoffs, it was one of the biggest upsets in history – and the turning point was the craziest comeback the league has ever seen.

Shrinking equipment. Evolving techniques. Hardcore nudity? Goaltending's legends, stars, analysts and coaches talk the position's hot topics.

Blending Hollywood pretty boys with hard-nosed hockey players proved to be a winning formula for 'Youngblood.' Thirty years later, this cult classic still stands the test of time.

The Avalanche roll to victory in their inaugural season in Colordo, while the Cinderella Panthers make an unlikely run to the final in Florida's Year of the Rat.

In the post-Gretzky era, all players know anyone can be dealt, but it's still a big surprise when the call finally comes in.

Forty years have passed since Darryl Sittler set a virtually unbreakable NHL record with his 10-point game. He caught up with THN to look back on the experience for an oral history.

Jim Carey had a season to remember 20 years ago. Then injuries and a lack of interest killed his career.

Twenty years later, the director, producer, writer and many players recall working on hockey’s greatest action movie.

For the franchise’s first two seasons, San Jose was shark meat for the rest of the league. That all turned in Year 3, and the Sharks haven’t looked back since as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Ten years ago, the NHL lockout helped Canada assemble the greatest world junior team of all-time. Now its members, from Sidney Crosby to Shea Weber, reflect on their triumph.

The Philadelphia Flyers' famed "Broad St. Bullies"-era teams won the franchise's only two Stanley Cups – and although those teams were feared for the toughness of their players, equally frightening was their skill and commitment to each other.

It's been 25 years since Calgary won its only Stanley Cup championship – and Adam Proteau spoke with Flames players, coaches and management to produce a two-part, extended oral history of the Cup win.

It's been 25 years since the Calgary Flames won their only Stanley Cup championship – and Adam Proteau spoke with Flames players, coaches and management to produce a two-part, extended oral history of the Cup win.

The 1994 New York Rangers ended a 54-year drought in one of the NHL's most memorable seasons ever. Twenty years later, THN catches up with members of that team to tell their story.