Fast forward a couple of decades. The Cold War has given way to a war on terror but the terrorists don't play hockey. It wouldn't be all that fun, what, with all the martyrdom and such and the Iraq and South Africa and such. Sigh, society and sport have changed quite dramatically. Cripes, Russia - aka the aforementioned Soviet Union, Commonwealth of Independent States and Unified Team - is no longer a somber communist regime; just a somber, insecure, pseudo-democratic one.

When it was announced a "Summit Series" for our juniors was being organized, I thought to myself, "Where's the beef?" Or was it, "What the dilio?" I forget.

Whatever. If the World Juniors tournament was a sound barometer, this was going to be a blowout in Canada's favour. And that's exactly what's happening. It's not even close. The only thing Canada is playing for is to keep head coach Brent Sutter's undefeated record intact. He was 12-0 going in. As I write this he's 18-0.

I never thought I'd see the day where Canada would one day have such an edge over the Russians. Then again, it's not surprising. The Russians now know what it's like to direct a sports program Western style. They no longer have full control of their athletes and their lives. They'll just have to cope and learn. The Russians still produce hockey players of exquisite talent and substantial ability but this no longer translates into assured victory.

In the meantime, Hockey Canada's outstanding "Program of Excellence" has taken full advantage and the results speak for themselves. It was supposed to be a blowout in 1972. Instead, it came 35 years later in 2007. And it may very well go down as one of the most lopsided series in the history of international hockey.

Update: Canada won the series 7-0-1.