In 1949, the underdog Czechoslovakian national hockey team won the gold medal, during the World Championships in Sweden. A few months later, all the players were falsely accused by the communist government of espionage and treason. Later, after having been found 'guilty as charged', they were sentenced to a total of 77 years. They vanished into labor camps, returning only after Stalin's death. Three of the players attempted successful comebacks, but were further-banned from ever again representing their country. Two decades later, a new generation of Czech hockey players carry out the ultimate revenge. They beat the team from the country of their oppressors -- Soviet Union, in the 1969 World Championships Finals.

see next page