Change Of Arena: Hockey's Politicians

Let's take a look at hockey's politicians over the years:

Swing State Project, a Democrat blog covering election news in the United States, is reporting that former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter wants to US Congress.

The three time Olympian and 1994 Stanley Cup champion is reportedly looking at a number of possible districts to run in, with the website speculating in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York state as the most likely.

Richter is also a recent graduate of Yale, where he obtained a degree in Ethics, Politics & Economics in 2006. He also reportedly campaigned for Democrat John Hall in a successful congressional bid in 2006.

Richter has not yet made any comments on this possibility.

With this announcement, I wanted to dig deeper into the intertwined history between politics and sport.

There are no shortage of crossovers, including Steve Largent (NFL Hall of Famer and US Congressman), Bill Bradley (NY Knicks star and US Senator), Arnold Schwarzenegger (body builder and Governor of California), Sebastien Coe (distance runner and British MP), and Imran Khan (Pakistani cricketer and leader of the Justice Party).

Hockey has no shortage of political crossovers, either.
Syl Apps was a superstar hockey player and a pole vaulting Olympian who showed an interest in politics long before his athletic career came to an end. The All-Star center ran for federal parliament in 1940 with the Conservative party, then known as the National Government Party. He would fall 138 votes shy of election.

After returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs from his service in the Second World War, star center Syl Apps also served as Ontario's Athletics Commissioner. He would later jump into provincial politics, serving the Kingston area from 1963 through 1975. He was Ontario's Minister of Correctional Services from 1971 through 1975.

Liberal Bucko McDonald was twice successful in serving federally, representing the Parry Sound area in the 1945 and 1949 elections. A fellow liberal MP in 1949 was Lionel Conacher, who represented the Toronto Trinity riding, successfully defending it in 1953. Conacher had served as an Ontario MLA over a decade earlier.

Howie Meeker made it a federal hat trick when he won the Conservative seat in Waterloo South in a 1951 by-election. Meeker, who was still playing with the Leafs at the time time, did not seek re-election in 1953.

The only other active NHLer to serve politically was Red Kelly, then with the Toronto Maple Leafs. At the request of Liberal Prime Minister Lester Pearson, Kelly ran in the Toronto riding of York West, successfully defending in 1963. In that 1963 election Kelly defeated Conservative candidate R. Alan Eagleson by over 17,000 votes.

In 1998 Hockey Hall of Famer Frank Mahovlich was appointed to the Canadian senate by then-Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Around the same time Chretien was trying to convince Jean Beliveau to take the post of Governor General. Beliveau had to turn down the offer, choosing to instead help raise his grandchildren who had lost their father.

Former Flame Bob MacMillan served as a MLA in Prince Edward Island beginning in 2000, though he lost his seat by a slim margin in 2003. "Mack the Knife" represented the Conservatives.

In 2004, Hall of Fame goaltender/writer/executive Ken Dryden entered into politics in the safe Liberal riding of York Center. Dryden has twice been elected, and even ran for leadership of the federal Liberal Party.

2004 saw another Hockey Hall of Famer skate onto the political rinks. Peter Stastny ran for office in his native Slovakia, later being elected as one of the country's three Members of the European Parliament. Viacheslav Fetisov was named chairman of Russia's state federation for physical culture and sports and federal sports agency, although as I understand it neither was an elected position. He later became a federal council senator

Earlier in 2007 Richter's one time teammate Darren Langdon ran for the Conservative nomination in a recent Newfoundland by-election, but fell short.

Jim Bennett, son of NHL goalie Harvey Bennett and brother of NHLers Curt, Bill and Harvey Bennett Jr, has had a long but unsuccessful career in politics. Jim played hockey while studying Classics at Ivy League Brown University. While still in school he made his first foray into politics, running for the Rhode Island state legislature. He later would run for Rhode Island treasurer and governor, falling short both times.

In the 2008 federal election, Thomas Steen star candidate for the Conservatives in that Winnipeg's Elmwood-Transcona riding

Change Of Arena: Hockey And Politics

In the United States we've got an Alaskan Hockey Mom countering Obama-mania. They had to, because Barack looks awfully good in a Detroit Red Wings jersey.

In Canada we've got a Conservative Prime Minister with a keen interest in hockey history and has recruited former Winnipeg Jets center Thomas Steen to play right wing. The Liberals form the main opposition with none other than Montreal Canadiens/1972 Summit Series legend Ken Dryden seeking his electoral hat trick - three consecutive wins in Toronto riding York Center. Liberal leader Stephane Dion recently took a break from campaigning to play some street hockey. The New Democratic Party are guaranteed of their usual also-ran status, largely because they have no connection to Canada's national past time.

Okay, so when it comes to politics, be it American or Canadian, I will not pretend to be a knowledgeable observer.

But I do know two things for sure:

• Both Canada and the United States are nearing federal election dates, and you should exercise your right to vote.
• Both countries would be better off if they were run by hockey players.

Think about it. The hockey arena and the political arena are not all that different. Both are bloodsports played on thin ice where faceoffs and scrums are an accepted job hazards. Both can be down right offensive, and being able to slash and spin is necessary.

With that in mind, I propose the creation of the Hockey Party where left wingers and right wingers can come together and run the White House and Parliament Hill for the better. All we need to do is convince hockey players to take a huge cut in both pay and hair.

Here's a look at my proposed candidates for both countries.

United States
Election Date: November 4th, 2008

The Hockey Party Presidential Nominee - Mike Richter.

After spending a lifetime in hockey shutting down right wingers, the three time Olympian and 1994 Stanley Cup champion Mike Richter returned to school. In 2006 he graduated from Yale, where he obtained a degree in Ethics, Politics & Economics in 2006. He reportedly campaigned for Democrat John Hall in a successful congressional bid in 2006, and considered his own bid for Congress.

He is an American hero and capable of shutting out those right wingers currently in power that are currently ruining everything. Mike Richter is the best hockey candidate to run the White House.

Hockey Party Vice Presidential Nominee - Cammi Granato

Granato is a decorated war veteran, serving as the victorious captain of the women's Olympic team, leading her country into many battles against the Canadians. She has a degree in social sciences from Providence, which will serve her well. I don't believe she has any children yet, but when she does she will totally reinvent the term "Hockey Mom" that seems to a prerequisite for American female vice presidential candidates.

Canada
Election Date: October 14th, 2008

The Hockey Party Leader - Ken Dryden. The obvious choice will defect to our new party. In 2004, Hall of Fame goaltender/writer/executive Ken Dryden entered into politics in the safe Liberal riding of York Center. Dryden has twice been elected, and even ran for leadership of the federal Liberal Party. And in these times of terrible financial uncertainty, we Canadians would not have to worry with Dryden as Prime Minister. He could sell all his hockey memorabilia in order to pay off any government deficits.

Proposed Hockey Party Cabinet Ministers:

Minister of Defense - Serge Savard. Hey, it was his nickname on the ice. He gets the nod over Robyn Regehr, hockey's active "Minister of Defense," because in politics the guy from Quebec always gets picked at the westerners expense.

Minister of Finance - Joe Sakic. He's earned over $87 million in his career, the highest of any Canadian player ever. He must know something about money.

Minister of Health - Frank Mahovlich. He's already a Senator (pictured), plus the health care portfolio needs that left wing voice. Maybe Dr. Randy Gregg could serve as junior minister.

Minister of Justice - Colin Campbell. Former player and coach has been the long time NHL Director of Hockey Operations, which includes handing out suspensions to the likes of Todd Bertuzzi and Chris Simon. He could easily handle murderers and gangs.

Minister of Veteran Affairs - Howie Meeker - Golly gee willikers, Howie won the Conservative seat in Waterloo South in a 1951 by-election while still playing with the Leafs. And he is also a World War II veteran. To explain government initiatives maybe he could pull out his trusty old telestrator on Mike Duffy Live.

Minister of International Affairs - Joe Hockey. He's an actual politician in Australia. It doesn't get more international than that.

Minister of the Environment - There can be only one choice here. Andrew Ference defends the environment better than he defends the Bruins blue line. He'll fight anyone for a cause he believes in, even Sidney Crosby.

Governor General - Jean Beliveau. Prime Minister Jean Chretian reportedly wanted him to do the job back in the 1990s.

And finally, introducing the newest cabinet portfolio, the Minister Responsible For Hockey - Wayne Gretzky. He will have to be appointed as opposed to elected. If he had to run for election everyone would steal his lawn signs and put them on Ebay.

Of course, conquering North America is only phase one of hockey's world domination. Vladislav Tretiak and Viacheslav Fetisov are already high ranking members of the Russian parliament. Peter Stastny is quite active in Slovakia and with the European Union. I'm sure we can find appropriate candidates throughout all of Europe.

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Just for disclaimer's sake, not all of the players mentioned above are in anyway politically active. Others obviously are, such as Dryden and Richter.

For a list of actual hockey players connected to the arena of politics, check out Hockey And Politics I compiled last year.

Robert Bourassa and Guy Lafleur: Holy Smokes

That is Quebec premier Robert Bourassa offering a cigar and a light to Quebec Remparts junior sensation Guy Lafleur.

How Politicians Used The 1972 Summit Series

Trudeau, Brezhnev used hockey for political gains

Pierre Elliot Trudeau and Leonid Brezhnev might not have had a lot in common, but a love of sports and a belief that sports, and in greater context culture, can play a vital role in the development of the nation.

Trudeau was an avid outdoorsman, but whether he was a true fan of professional sports in Canada only those close to him know. He was often seen at highly popular events such as big hockey games or CFL Grey Cup games. However it might have been more of a political posing moment than genuine interest.

But Trudeau had a very keen interest in developing sport in Canada. He saw sport and culture as a way of easing the national identity and unity issues that have to some degree always plagued politics in Canada.

In 1968 when he was elected into power he set up The Task Force on Sport for Canadians. While the mandate was broad, much of the focus was on hockey and specifically on why Canada wasn't doing well on the international hockey scene.

Meanwhile, over in Russia Leonid Brezhnev took a strikingly similar stance. He wanted Russian athletes to be the best in every sport. That would instil great pride in the nation and show the West that the Communist ways were working incredibly well.

Unlike Trudeau, there is no doubt that Brezhnev had a keen interest in hockey. He attended all 4 1972 Summit Series games attended in Moscow.

There always has been some speculation that Brezhnev might have abused his power to try to influence the outcome of the 1972 Summit Series. Off-ice games were being played by the Soviets - games such as disappearing food and beer imported from Canada for Canadian players; mysterious late night phone calls waking players up; and even reports of bugged hotel rooms. Some conspiracy-creators believe that a political higher up was behind this, perhaps even Brezhnev himself.

Did Team Canada Save Pierre Elliot Trudeau?

September 1972 featured Canada's two favorite past times at their dramatic heights. Obviously one was hockey and the 1972 Summit Series.

Canada's other favorite past time is politics. And in the fall of 1972 one of the most interesting federal elections in Canadian history took place on the heels of the 1972 Summit Series

But the question to be asked is how did the 1972 Summit Series effect the federal election of 1972?

The election was one of the most important in Canadian history because of the crossroads the country was at during this time. French-English relations were strained following the infamous FLQ crisis of 1970. This created much dissension across the fragmented country The country needed a strong leader.

Trudeau came to power in 1968. Using nationalism as his key campaign focus, he rode the wave of national pride that naturally arose following the 1967 Centennial anniversary celebrations. He landed an impressive majority government.

Over the next 4 years Trudeau would see his large support decrease. He angered many interests groups across the nation, especially in the West and separatist areas of Quebec.

Political pundits feared Trudeau's reign as leader could be done after just one term. The climate in 1972 wasn't likely to be receptive to Trudeau's nationalistic views which he was quick to re-use for his campaign in 1972.

One of his opportunities to promote himself was by using the 1972 Summit Series to his advantage. Nothing unites the country like hockey. Trudeau would be at the party atmosphere of the opening game for the ceremonial puck drop. He also took the rare opportunity to weigh in with his own opinion about something completely out of his political reach. He championed the popular public notion that the NHL should allow Bobby Hull to join Team Canada.

Trudeau's plan to be seen with Team Canada wasn't expected to be a major role in the election. It was little more than just a photo-posing opportunity. But when Team Canada found themselves heroically fighting for their hockey lives the nation rallied around them unlike any non-war event in the nation's history. And when Paul Henderson completed the comeback in Moscow, a sense of unparalleled nationalism swept across the country from sea to sea to sea.

Nothing could have been better for Trudeau. The nationalistic atmosphere had returned. Could it help Trudeau and his Liberal government stay in power?

Ultimately Trudeau would retain power. However he lost his majority government and clung to power with the slimmest of minorities. Trudeau's Liberals held 109 seats, while the Conservatives, led by the charisma-lacking Bob Stanfield, had 107 seats. (Note: Stanfield also attempted to use Team Canada to his advantage. 

See Trudeau wasn't the only one to ride on coattails

So the question is did the return to overwhelming Canadian nationalism courtesy of Paul Henderson and Team Canada allow Trudeau - who would go onto establish himself as perhaps the most popular leader in Canadian history - to stay in power?

The answer to that question is probably not. It is an interesting theory I have, but not being a political expert I have been unable to find another source that suggests such a thing.

Also See:

- Lester Pearson warned of sending our best to Russia
- Esposito's stare-down with Russian Leader Brezhnev
- What Else Happened In September 1972- Sept 28th is historic in Canada for other reasons 
- The Greatest Event In Canadian History?

The First Lady of Hockey?

Vikash Khanna sent in this interesting photo from 1938 depicting a very young Betty Ford (then Betty Bloomer) at the Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, holding a hockey stick over her shoulder. Apparently she was a real independant, strong young woman, and quite the tomboy. Sshe enjoyed playing both hockey and football with her brothers and other local boys.

Her husband Gerald Ford was the 38th president of the United States of America, making her the first lady from 1974 through 1977. As Wikipedia suggests Ford was influential on many key issues including women's rights, health and breast cancer awareness, abortion, and the arts. Her own battles with alcoholism and prescription medication led her to establish the world famous Betty Ford Center for people suffering from such substance abuse.

Anyways, I bring this all up because it's Election Day down in the United States, and I encourage my American readers to go out and vote.