Cold War in Philly documentary revives 1976 Flyers-Soviet showdown

On January 11, 1976, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Soviet Red Army 4-1 at the Spectrum while outshooting them 49-13.

The 1976 Showdown

The Flyers entered the game after consecutive Stanley Cup wins and treated the matchup as hockey’s version of the Cold War during the U.S. bicentennial year. The Soviets had not lost to any NHL team on their tour before facing Philadelphia.

Ed Van Impe delivered a hit on Valeri Kharlamov in the first period that prompted the Red Army players to leave the ice in protest. The Flyers remained on the bench and completed the contest without the visitors returning.

Owner Ed Snider used the international broadcast to highlight Soviet treatment of Jews. Signs denouncing anti-Semitism hung from the Spectrum rafters as part of that statement.

Author Alan Bass explained in the film how Snider connected the game to the Refuseniks issue of the 1970s. The political layer added context beyond the on-ice result.

Broadcaster Gene Hart received a roaring ovation from audiences whenever his call appeared on screen during recent screenings.

Crafting the Documentary

Director Joe Amodei grew up in Bucks County and watched the original game on television with his family. The lasting impression led him to assemble Cold War in Philly with cinematographer Bert Archer and executive producer Brian Samelson.

Amodei conducted interviews with Dave Schultz, Larry Goodenough, Joe Watson, Jimmy Watson, and Reggie Leach. Their deadpan recollections drew repeated laughs at Q&A sessions after screenings.

The 80-minute film mixes game footage with Russian cultural background and Snider’s archived comments on Soviet actions behind the Iron Curtain.

Amodei stated the project serves as one last hurrah for the Broad Street Bullies era and gives players something to share with their grandchildren.

Release occurred on May 27, after which theaters in the Philadelphia area reported consistent sellouts into the summer months.

Audience Response and Legacy

Viewers have chanted “Let’s Go Flyers!” at the start of each showing and cheered every goal scored against the Soviets. Several former players continue to attend select screenings for post-film discussions.

Amodei noted that documentaries rarely generate large profits, yet the reception among players and fans has made the effort rewarding. The film will play through October when the new NHL season begins.

Prebooking opened on Amazon, with the title becoming available to view on July 13 and for rent or purchase on additional platforms shortly afterward.

The project preserves firsthand accounts from the 1976 roster while reaching new generations through repeated theatrical and digital distribution.