Soviet Team May Play Kings in L.A.

Tentative plans for a North American tour by the Soviet Red Army hockey team, including a game in Los Angeles and highlighted by a 10th anniversary game of the celebrated Red Army-Montreal Canadien matchup, were announced Wednesday by Al Eagleson.

It was on Dec. 31, 1975, during the Red Army’s first extended series against National Hockey League opposition that the Soviet army team and Montreal Canadiens played a 3-3 tie in the Forum at Montreal. Many observers recall this game as one of the most exciting in international exhibition history.

Eagleson, the international negotiator for Hockey Canada, said most of the venues for the proposed 10-game tour have been confirmed although talks were continuing with Soviet hockey officials.

“We hope to get the tour firmed up at the International Ice Hockey Federation meetings in Malta the first week of September,” Eagleson said.

The host teams, confirmed to date, are the Los Angeles Kings, Dec. 26; the Edmonton Oilers, Dec. 28; the Calgary Flames, Dec. 29; the Montreal Canadiens, Dec. 31; the St. Louis Blues, Jan. 2, and the Minnesota North Stars, Jan. 4.

Eagleson said discussions are still in progress for games with the Boston Bruins, Jan. 6; the Buffalo Sabres, Jan. 8; the New Jersey Devils, Jan. 9, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jan. 11.