1972 Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Recap

Originally published on Apr. 26, 2021

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, February 13th, 1972, the Soviet Union defeated the United States by three points in the final standings to win the 12th gold medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey history. It was the fourth gold medal for the Soviet Union in Olympic men’s ice hockey. The United States took the silver medal with six points in the standings, claiming their sixth silver medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey. Czechoslovakia defeated Sweden by one point in the standings, grabbing their third bronze medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey.

The tournament was held in Japan, with Sapporo as the host city. Valery Kharlamov of the Soviet Union scored the most goals during the tournament with nine. Vladimir Dzurilla of Czechoslovakia led goaltenders in save percentage at .926.

1972 Final Standings (W-L-T format)

1. Soviet Union (4-0-1, 1.000) (Gold)

2. United States (3-2, .600) (Silver)

3. Czechoslovakia (3-2, .600) (Bronze)

4. Sweden (2-2-1, .500)

5. Finland (2-3, .400)

6. Poland (0-5, .000)

7. West Germany (3-1, .750)

8. Norway (3-1, .750)

9. Japan (2-1-1, .667)

10. Switzerland (0-2-2, .000)

11. Yugoslavia (0-3-1, .000)

Game Results

Medalists final game starting lineups

 

Link to stats database: https://www.olympedia.org/results/20400