FHL's 1980 Olympic Spring Classic Opening Remarks

The Stage Is Set

  The FHL spring classic: 1980 Olympic hockey edition is here and the Inwood Ice Arena has never felt more electric, six of the planet’s premier hockey nations will converge, lace them up, drop the puck and compete for the most coveted prize in international hockey - the World Championship Gold Medal.

   For three decades the Soviet Union have lorded over the sport with an iron fist, their tactical mastery, superior conditioning and sheer depth have made them nearly untouchable, but the wolves are aging. The legs aren’t as quick…aren’t as strong. The shots aren’t as well placed and no longer come in droves. For the first time in a generation, the window is cracked open. 

   Czechoslovakia and their young guns smell blood. Finland has an FHL Champion class netminder and a physical identity that can bully anyone off the puck. Canada is a mystery box loaded with talent. Sweden brings their trademark structured yet haphazard brilliance. And the United States? They’re a high octane engine looking for the right gear. 

This is more than a tournament. This, is a changing of the guard.

 Welcome to the FHL Spring Classic!