Ice War Diplomat

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Marking the 50th anniversary of the historic Summit Series, this incredible story unfolds on an unlikely political stage: the hockey rink. Amid the Cold War and the looming threat of nuclear annihilation, young Canadian diplomat Gary J. Smith navigates the complexities between capitalism and communism as he attempts to foster friendships between Canada and the Soviet Union. On his first overseas assignment in Moscow during the early 1970s, Smith, trained in Russian and sent by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau under a détente policy, embraces sports diplomacy. He trades his embassy attire for the blue and white sweater of the Moscow Maple Leafs and embarks on a journey into Russian beer league hockey, armed with cases of Molson. Smith's encounters lead him into the intricate world of Soviet hockey, where he interacts with key figures, including the influential Izvestia journalist "The Snowman." This experience culminates in the groundbreaking decision for USSR "amateurs" to face Canadian professionals in an eight-game Friendship Series. With unique access to officials, coaches, and players, Smith witnesses this historic event that transcends sports, symbolizing unity. The narrative includes remarkable moments, such as a motorcycle ride with the Canadian prime minister around the Kremlin and a secret visit to a Soviet hospital by Phil Esposito. The 1972 Canadian-Soviet Hockey Series stands as a pivotal political event, res