In 1972, when a team of Canadian hockey players faced off against a team from the Soviet Union, everyone assumed Team Canada would win easily. It didn't turn out that way, as the Soviet players were tough, disciplined, and relentless. The Canadians had to dig deep to keep the eight-game series close. The whole nation was watching as it came down to a desperate shot in the last few seconds of the eighth and final game.

But there were stories before that story. Many Team Canada member had to overcome great challenges--ill health, poverty, isolation--to make their dream of becoming among the greatest hockey players ever come true.

Author Jim Prime combines a game-by-game narrative with interviews with some of the key players. Those who followed the series in 1972 can re-live the drama of every game. Those who did not have a chance to see the series can learn a lot about it--and about how to make their own dreams come true.