Sept. 24 Marks Summit Series Comeback, Hall of Fame Induction, and More
On this date in 1972, Team Canada rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat the Soviet Union 3-2 in Game 6 of the Summit Series, with Paul Henderson scoring the winner. Bobby Clarke's infamous slash on Valeri Kharlamov occurred later in that game, contributing to the Soviet star missing the next contest. The date also saw the 1990 Hall of Fame class inducted and several rule changes implemented over the years.
The Summit Series Game 6 victory hinged on a furious 1:23 stretch in the second period, when Canada flipped a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead. Paul Henderson’s winner came just 15 seconds after Yvan Cournoyer’s go-ahead goal, and the team killed 31 penalty minutes overall, including a third period that saw only one infraction called. Bobby Clarke’s slash on Valeri Kharlamov, ordered by assistant coach John Ferguson, broke the Soviet star’s ankle, sidelining him for Game 7 and limiting him in Game 8.
The 1990 Hall of Fame ceremony honored Bill Barber, whose 420 goals remain a Flyers record, and Fern Flaman, a two-time Cup winner with Boston and Toronto. Gilbert Perreault, Buffalo’s first franchise cornerstone, and builder Bud Poile were also inducted. The date additionally saw Scott Stevens named captain and several rule changes, including restrictions on goalie equipment and the introduction of the trapezoid.
This date’s events could shape how fans and analysts view international hockey’s legacy, particularly the ethical line between physical intimidation and deliberate injury. The Clarke slash remains a cautionary tale, potentially influencing modern discussions on player safety and officiating standards. The Hall of Fame inductions may reinforce nostalgia for past eras, while rule changes from this date could affect how current games are played and officiated, impacting players, coaches, and viewers who value consistency in the sport’s evolution.