There’s great power in shared experiences. In the fast-moving, on-demand digital world, shared experiences have changed dramatically. Our hobby offers us many ways to continue this tradition. That’s the goal of this historic joint issue of The American Philatelist and The Canadian Philatelist.
It all started with a conversation about CAPEX 22 to be held in Toronto, Canada, from June 9-12, 2022. The show will be the first-of-its-kind international one-frame exhibition sponsored by The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada.
When the pandemic hit and stamp shows closed down for more than a year, the conversation turned to action. We hope and believe that the pandemic will subside, and the show must go on. These journals are more than just joint issues, but a partnership forged a few years back with that conversation. Though the pandemic has slowed our progress, it will not stop it.
These journals are more than just joint issues, but a partnership forged a few years back with that conversation. Though the pandemic has slowed our progress, it will not stop it.
So, how did we choose a joint issue on ice hockey and philately? It goes back to the shared experiences. Both ice hockey and philately reach across our respective borders, giving us common ground. Though the National Hockey League originated in Canada, the Original Six combined teams from the U.S. and Canada. Today, the NHL is truly international, bringing players worldwide to play in all corners of North America.
Even outside the NHL arena, ice hockey has highlighted critical moments for our respective nations. In 1972, at the height of the Cold War, Canada challenged the Soviet Union to an eight-game series known as the Summit Series. The first four games, held in Canada, resulted in the Soviets playing unexpectedly well, taking two games and a tie. After losing Game 5 in the Soviet Union, Team Canada won games six and seven, making a decisive game eight. With just a minute left in a tie game, Team Canada took the puck to the goal, and Paul Henderson made an amazing game-winning shot.
In the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, Team USA, mostly amateur players, faced the four-time defending gold medalist Soviet Union in the medal round. Down 3-2 at the start of the third period, Team USA scored two unanswered goals and held on to win 4-3, going on to win the gold that year. Dubbed the “Miracle on Ice,” Sports Illustrated declared it the greatest sports moment of the 20th century.
Our respective nations have issued stamps to honor ice hockey discussed in our respective journals. In 2017, Canada Post and the U.S. Postal Service jointly issued stamps honoring The History of Hockey. As Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra said at the time, “These stamps celebrate the shared love of hockey, a game now firmly rooted in the lore of both nations.”
“These stamps celebrate the shared love of hockey, a game now firmly rooted in the lore of both nations.”
We agree, and we're pleased to offer that same spirit of unity here in the pages of our journals. We hope you enjoy the shared experiences of hockey and philately. In the meantime, get ready to join us for another unique shared experience at CAPEX 22. Please visit the website capex22.org for news and information about the show. We look forward to welcoming you in June 2022!
Scott D. English is the Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society and Ed Kroft, QC, FRPSC is President of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada