From Behind the Iron Curtain to the NHL: The Untold Story of Hockey's Great Escapes

During the Cold War era, the Iron Curtain divided Europe into two distinct ideological blocs: the Soviet Union and its satellite states in the east, and the capitalist West. Hockey, a sport that had long been popular in both the East and the West, became a symbol of this divide. For players from behind the Iron Curtain, escaping to the NHL was a dream that seemed almost impossible. But for a select few, it became a reality.

Escape from Czechoslovakia

In 1968, Czechoslovakia was invaded by the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies. The invasion crushed the hopes of the Czech people, who had been seeking greater freedom and independence. Among those who fled the country was a young hockey player named Vaclav Nedomansky.

Breakaway: From Behind the Iron Curtain to the NHL—The Untold Story of Hockey's Great Escapes

by Luca Vargiu

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	869 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Paperback	:	120 pages
Item Weight	:	6.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.15 x 0.3 x 9.2 inches

FREE

Nedomansky was one of the most promising young players in Czechoslovakia. He had already played for the national team and was considered a future star. But after the invasion, he knew that he had to escape.

Nedomansky made his escape with the help of a friend. The two of them drove to the border with Austria and crossed over on foot. They then made their way to West Germany, where Nedomansky was granted asylum.

Once in the West, Nedomansky quickly caught the attention of NHL scouts. He was signed by the Detroit Red Wings in 1969 and made his NHL debut the following year. Nedomansky went on to have a successful NHL career, playing for the Red Wings, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues.

Escape from the Soviet Union

In the Soviet Union, hockey was a state-run sport. Players were expected to play for their country, not for themselves. Escaping to the NHL was considered treason.

But in 1979, two Soviet players, Sergei Makarov and Valeri Kharlamov, made a daring escape. The two players were part of the Soviet national team that was playing in a tournament in Helsinki, Finland. During the tournament, Makarov and Kharlamov met with a Swedish businessman who promised to help them defect.

Makarov and Kharlamov made their escape after the tournament. They drove to the Swedish border and crossed over on foot. They were then taken to Stockholm, where they were granted asylum.

Once in the West, Makarov and Kharlamov were signed by the Edmonton Oilers. The two players went on to have successful NHL careers, helping the Oilers win five Stanley Cups.

Legacy

The escapes of Nedomansky, Makarov, and Kharlamov are a testament to the power of the human spirit. These players were willing to risk everything for the chance to play hockey in the NHL. Their stories are an inspiration to all who dream of achieving their goals, no matter how difficult they may seem.

The escapes of these players also had a profound impact on the NHL. The arrival of these talented players from behind the Iron Curtain helped to raise the level of play in the NHL and made it a truly international league.

Today, players from all over the world play in the NHL. But the stories of Nedomansky, Makarov, and Kharlamov serve as a reminder of the challenges that players from behind the Iron Curtain once faced. These players are true pioneers, and their stories are an important part of the history of the NHL.

The escapes of Nedomansky, Makarov, and Kharlamov are a testament to the power of the human spirit. These players were willing to risk everything for the chance to play hockey in the NHL. Their stories are an inspiration to all who dream of achieving their goals, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Breakaway: From Behind the Iron Curtain to the NHL—The Untold Story of Hockey's Great Escapes

by Luca Vargiu

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	869 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Paperback	:	120 pages
Item Weight	:	6.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.15 x 0.3 x 9.2 inches

FREE