(photo credit nhl.com)

It was 49 years ago this day, September 28, 1972 that Paul Henderson became a national hero in Canada. Henderson scored that iconic goal against the Soviet Union in game eight of the 1972 summit series between the two hockey powers to give Canada the series win. 

The Soviets had lead the last game of the series 5-3 going into the third period and seemed poised for series victory. In fact, even a tie would give the Soviets the series by virtue of goals for and against differential so Canada had to win. Canada dug deep in the third and showed that Canadian grit and heart. Goals by Phil Esposito and Yvan Cournoyer tied the game at 5 to set the stage for Henderson's game winner with just 34 seconds to go as he slapped the puck past Soviet netminder Vladislav Tretiak and our nation erupted as Canadians were tuned into the game in Moscow from coast to coast by television and radio. 

Many still consider it the greatest moment in Canadian sports history and it's certainly one of them. Sydney Crosby's golden goal against the U.S. at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver ranks right up there with it imo.