Canada is considered the birthplace of ice hockey. For many years, Canadians have been considered the strongest players and trendsetters on the ice rink, so to speak. Phil Esposito by all criteria is considered the star of hockey of the first magnitude.
Starting conditions
In the middle of the last century, ice hockey was completely different. That period, according to the apt remark of one of the journalists, was called "the era of shaggy hair." This is easy to see if you look at the newsreel of that time. Both in the Soviet Union and in Canada, many players went on the ice without hats. Yes, it gave the hockey player a certain charm. Phil Esposito, a burning brunette, moved around the site at rocket speed. And the fans did not always have time to understand with what technique he threw the puck into the opponents' goal.
The legendary hockey player was born on February 19, 1942 in an ordinary working-class family. Parents at that time lived in a small town in Ontario, Canada. My father worked as a foundry worker at a steel plant. The mother was engaged in housekeeping and raising two sons, the eldest Philip and the younger Anthony. The boys were brought up simply and strictly. The brothers helped the mother with household chores. They studied well at school, but they spent all their free time on an ice or dirt site, depending on the season, playing hockey.
Sports career
It is interesting to note that Phil Esposito may not have become a hockey star. As the eldest child in the family, he began working early at the same metallurgical plant where his father also worked. And I played hockey in my spare time. Younger brother Tony, meanwhile, was engaged in the youth section of the professional club "Chicago Blackhawks". It was he who persuaded his older brother to come to the "bride" of the coaching staff. Phil was looked at, appreciated and accepted into the team. I must say that the coaches are experienced specialists and were not mistaken. Already in the first season, the newcomer showed a great game.
Phil Esposito's worldwide fame was brought by a series of meetings between the national teams of Canada and the USSR, which was held in 1972. Fans of professional hockey still cannot recall these events without enthusiasm. At the preparatory stage, analysts issued the most incredible predictions, but no one thought that the Russians would demonstrate an excellent game. The image of the formidable Canadians striker Esposito has sunk into the memory of the Soviet fans. It was he who turned out to be the most productive player in this series of games.
Recognition and privacy
In the early 80s, Phil Esposito ended his sports career, but did not part with hockey. Together with his younger brother Tony, he organized a hockey school, in which children of different ages are engaged. Phil is still a popular figure with fans all over the world.
Esposito's personal life turned out well. He is married twice. The daughter from her first marriage married the Russian hockey player Alexander Selivanov. Their two sons also play hockey professionally. Grandpa Phil takes great pleasure in sharing his experience with them.
