The Greatest Goal? Henderson vs Crosby
As we headed outside for some fresh air after the “Golden Goal” a man saw my Canada jersey and said, “I guess Mr. Crosby made your day. Maybe your year!” The euphoria was amazing and the patriotism was over the top. People talking to me on the street, cars honking and waving, flags proudly displayed! I loved it!
But was it the greatest goal? Paul Henderson’s winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union may still be the best. That whole series was “us” vs “them”, capitalism vs communism. It was the first real challenge to the supremacy of Canadian hockey players. Back in ’72 we were in the cold war. It was a cultural battle that many believed was between the right and wrong way to govern. We were free, the USSR was behind the Iron Curtain. For many people, there was a lot more than hockey being contested on that ice.
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Ironically, Paul Henderson didn’t get to see part of this Sunday’s game between Canada and the USA. You might think the hockey legend would be glued to the screen, or possibly catching the game from the good seats at Canada Hockey Place. But he wasn’t. Henderson missed part of the game because he was speaking at a Weekend to Remember marriage conference for FamilyLife. On a day when every Canadian was a hockey fan, why would he of all people miss part of the game to teach about marriage?
To Paul, the greater goal, is a healthy marriage. At the conference he clearly articulated that at the centre of a healthy marriage is a relationship with Jesus Christ. On a Sunday when many debated which was the greatest goal, Paul made a clear statement. Marriage with God at the centre is really the “Golden Goal.” It wasn’t just this Sunday that Paul placed such a high value on his faith and family life. You can read or watch a video about Paul’s life here.
For some of us, a single moment will set the course of our lives. For Henderson and Crosby, it was a moment of greatness, for others it is a moment of tragedy. Are people like Henderson and Crosby destined for greatness? Or are they simply in the right place at the right time? You can explore the concept with Erwin McManus in his videos on craving destiny. Do you ever wonder if you are destined?
Has there been a single, defining moment in your life? Tell us about it in the comments.
Good point AJ!And I have to agree that as a Canadian I can still remember where I was sitting when the goal was scored!!
I would have to agree with Chris. Henderson’s goal was scored against arguably the greatest goaltender in the world at the time and certainly against the most dominant team. Candaians revere this moment in 1972 the way Americans do with their 1980 triumph over the same team.
That was quite the moment in history wasn’t it?! Agreed!
Henderson goal. Not even close.