The Cold war ice hockey team that fought the Soviets for the soul of its nation (298)

I speak with author Ethan Scheiner whose book “Freedom to Win” describes the gripping story of a group of small-town young men who would lead their underdog hockey team from Czechoslovakia against the Soviet Union, the juggernaut in their sport.

In 1968 Czechoslovakia experienced the Prague Spring, an attempt to moderate and soften communism. However, a sudden invasion by 500,000 Warsaw Pact soldiers halts the reforms.

We hear the inspiring story of how the young players of the national hockey team battle the Soviets on the ice to keep their people’s quest for freedom alive and forge a way to fight back against the authoritarian forces that sought to crush them.

0:00 Introduction and background on the episode's guest

2:51 Background on the Holik family and their struggle under the Nazi occupation

9:37 The unique situation of army teams in Czechoslovakia and the Holik brothers' involvement

15:50 Yaroslav Holik: A superhero in Czechoslovakia

23:23 The heated 1967 World Championships match between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union

28:48 The impact of the Prague Spring on Czechoslovakia's performance in ice hockey

34:21 The Prague Spring and the World Ice Hockey Championships

40:37 The aftermath of Dubcek's negotiations with the Soviets

49:35 The 1969 World Ice Hockey Championships

1:08:08 The consequences for the hockey players

Buy the book here and support the podcast https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781639363513

Book giveaway entry info here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/

The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.

Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode298/

Prague Spring and Cold War Czechoslovakia episodes https://coldwarconversations.com/tag/czechoslovakia/

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/

Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices