Cold War in Philly: Flyers vs. Russia 1976

With the full support of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia Flyers and Comcast, Cold War in Philly: Flyers vs. Russia 1976 is a gripping 80-minute documentary that revisits the legendary 1976 showdown between the Flyers and the dominant Soviet Red Army hockey team.

Known for their speed, precision, and discipline, the Soviet squad had taken the hockey world by storm – until they arrived in Philadelphia.

What awaited them at the Spectrum was a team, and a city, that refused to be intimidated. Fueled by grit, pride, and a deep-seated distrust of their Cold War rivals, the Flyers and their fans turned the game into something far bigger than hockey. When the puck finally dropped, tensions erupted into one of the most unforgettable clashes in the sport’s history.

Through candid interviews with players, coaches, media, and fans, the film captures the intensity of that moment while painting a vivid portrait of the Flyers’ hard-nosed identity and the passion of their fan base. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, it also explores how the Soviet style of play reshaped the global game – and how this single matchup left a lasting mark on hockey.

Featuring firsthand accounts from those who lived it, Cold War in Philly chronicles the build-up, the battle, and the aftermath of a game that remains a defining chapter in Flyers history – an enduring symbol of a team and a city that stood their ground.

Q&A following the movie will feature:

Larry “Izzy” Goodenough is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenseman who played six seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks. He won the Stanley Cup with Philadelphia in 1975. Larry resides in Bucks County.

Joe Amodei (Producer and Director) has enjoyed a career in the film industry for over forty years. As President of USA Home Entertainment in 2000, Amodei shepherded films like Steven Soderbergh’s Gosford Park into the home entertainment world. Since then, Amodei went off on his own to create Virgil Films and Entertainment. Under Amodei’s leadership, the company has released such award-winning hits as Super Size Me, I Am Chris Farley, Restrepo, Glen Campbell I’ll Be Me and Forks Over Knives. Cold War In Philly: Flyers vs. Russia 1976 is his directorial debut.

Sam Carchidi (moderator) has covered Philadelphia sports for more than 45 years. In addition to a 40-plus-year tenure with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sam has written for the Hockey News, Philly Hockey Now, Athlon magazine, Baseball America, and the Scouting Report. He is the author of six books, including Miracle in the Making: The Adam Taliaferro Story and If These Walls Could Talk: Philadelphia Flyers (with Lou Nolan) and Bullies.

Movie Website



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