Gretzky named to IIHF’s centennial all-star team

There probably aren’t too many Canadians that will agree with this choice - the top hockey story of the past 100 years belongs to the Americans.

The 1980 Miracle on Ice victory at the Olympics was named the best hockey moment of the century at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s gala dinner on Saturday night.

Paul Henderson’s winning goal for Canada at the 1972 Summit Series was selected as the second best story.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in attendance and mentioned that event during his speech.

“For Canadians of my generation, the 1972 Summit Series stands out above the rest,” said Harper. “It was an epic battle.”

The IIHF compiled a list of the top 100 moments to commemorate its 100th birthday and unveiled the final 10 here at the world championship. It also named an All-Century Team that included Wayne Gretzky at centre.

The Great One was a unanimous selection and the only Canadian chosen by the panel of 56 writers from 16 different countries.