Canada 'Making A Mistake'
Vancouver Province April 21, 1972

Minneapolis, Minn - Murray Williamson, coach of the 1972 US Olympic hockey team, said Thursday a Canadian team of National Hockey League players may be making a mistake by agreeing to meet the Russians in September.

"They are playing right into the Russian hands," said Williamson. "While the Canadians will just be completing training camps, the Russians will be at their peak.

"The Russians probably will start their camp in late July, a month before the Canadians, and probably will already have 15 to 20 games under their belts by the time the teams meet."

Four of the games are to be played in early September in Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto; the other four in Moscow, Sept 22, 24, 26, and 28.

The makeup of the Canadian team will be determined at a later date.

Williamson, who coached the US to a silver medal behind the Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics in February, says he has a close friendship with the former Russian coach, Anatoly Tarasov.

"This is something Tarasov always cherished," said Williamson. "He has always wanted to face the best of the NHL players. I wouldn't be surprised to see him return to coach for that series."