oral histories
Miracle on Ice: The Oral History
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.
Greatest Games: Gretzky to Lemieux... – No. 3 International Game
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.
How the Philadelphia Flyers created a headline-making mascot and overnight sensation
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.
The Russian Penguins: The bizarre and unforgettable partnership between the Penguins and CSKA Moscow
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.
You Never Forget Your First: Oral History of USA's 2004 World Junior Gold
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.
Connor McDavid: An oral history of the Oilers' phenom
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.
The Making of NHL '94: An Oral History
NHL '94 is considered the greatest version of digital puck ever produced. This is the story of how it came to be.
10 years later, an oral history of the China Sharks: Culture shock on ice
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.
Flying high at 25: An oral history on the making of 'The Mighty Ducks'
Twenty-five years ago, in October 1992, The Mighty Ducks flew into movie theaters and changed hockey forever.
Oral history: The Miracle on Manchester, 35 years later
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.
Goalies unmasked: Eight NHLers sound off on the position's hot topics
Shrinking equipment. Evolving techniques. Hardcore nudity? Goaltending's legends, stars, analysts and coaches talk the position's hot topics.
The Making of 'Youngblood': An oral history
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.
Oral history: How the Avalanche ended the Panthers' Cinderella run to win the Stanley Cup in their inaugural year in Colorado
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.
Oral history: What it's like when an NHL player is traded
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.
Darryl Sittler's 10-point game, 40 years later: an oral history
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.
Oral History: The rise and quick fall of Vezina winner Jim Carey
Jim Carey had a season to remember 20 years ago. Then injuries and a lack of interest killed his career.
Oral History: The making of hockey action movie 'Sudden Death'
Twenty years later, the director, producer, writer and many players recall working on hockey’s greatest action movie.
An oral history of the San Jose Sharks as they celebrate their 25th anniversary
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.
THN oral history: the 2005 Canadian world junior team, a.k.a. the greatest of all-time
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.
An Oral History of the Broad Street Bully-era Philadelphia Flyers
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.
The oral history of the 1989 Stanley Cup champion Calgary Flames: Part Two
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.
The oral history of the 1989 Stanley Cup champion Calgary Flames: Part One
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.
Oral History: The 1994 New York Rangers Cup run
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.