Original subtitles

All during that '72 season,

there was this familiar saying at the Gardens,

"Where the hell's Gerry?"

You see, at that time, us Canadians,

we prided ourselves on being the best hockey players in the world.

I mean, 97% of all our players in the NHL were Canadian.

So, the Russians, they called us up that summer,

they wanted to play this little eight-game series.

We smiled and said, "Yeah, sure, walk in the park,

we'll teach them a thing or two."

Well, we were dead freakin' wrong.

That little Summit Series,

well it shocked our hockey nation to it's core.

These Russians, they were playing systems we'd never seen before.

And the same goes for the Swedes.

It's like we were playing hockey like it was a mud wrestling match,

and they were playing this beautiful choreographed game of chess.

Anyway, Gerry knew.

I mean the WHA were robbing our teams blind.

We lost 67 players that year.

With the likes of Hull, Shivers, Sanderson.

We lost six of our own.

Yeah, the Leafs, we needed players, and not just bodies.

I mean players that can teach us.

You know, bring us into the reality of the new world of hockey.

So where the hell was Gerry?

Well, this is what he'd say,

"Address, some cold iceberg of a town, Sweden."

Shit.

Tempo!

Come on, now!

One at a time.

Come on.

More speed.

What the hell, Tiger?

We started 20 minutes ago, Börje.

I apologise, I was just...

No, I've heard it all.

Get in line! If it happens again,

you'll be in the stands before the game!

This is your last chance, Börje!

Why didn't you wake me up? Stigge?

Get an alarm clock.

You did it on purpose, admit it.

- On purpose? - Yeah.

You're old enough to get yourself out of bed.

- I still think it was on purpose. - Believe what you want, you baby!

I think you did it because

you're scared one of the new defenders will take your place.

Isn't that right?

- Hey, boys! - Break it up!

Hey, Stigge!

Knock it off!

Just let go.

- What the hell! - Just stop it!

What the hell, Stigge!

Börje, calm down!

What is this bloody nonsense?

We're here to practice.

Okay, you'll be rid of me.

- I'll find my own thing. - Finally.

We don't give a shit what you do at home, but this is a team, got it?

Salmings, 20 laps around the ice.

That's enough now.

That's enough.

- Salming! - Knock it off, boys!

Stop it, Börje.

Screw it then, beat each other up, get it out of your system.

Try playing yourself, if you're so great.

Hey, babe.

What the hell...

What a lovely time you're having over there.

So, you leaving the girls for me tonight?

I didn't know it was a big party. I thought it was just the boys.

I think that was the idea, but you know how it is.

Since you and I are here, the girls will come.

How are you doing, anyway?

What's this shit with your brother?

It's nothing...

I think he's a bit sick of having me in his apartment,

I think it's time for me to get my own place.

Of course you should have your own place.

Talked to Prosten about it?

He's moving in with his girlfriend, and wants someone to take his place.

Do you think I've got a chance with her?

Of course you do. You're Tiger.

That I am.

- It'll work out. - Yeah.

- Hey there. - Hi.

Hey, Prosten.

Can I move into this apartment?

- What? - Can I take over this apartment?

What's this, Börje? Are you growing up?

Yeah.

Of course you can move in.

I'd rather you take over than some boring bastard.

Yeah.

Should maybe call it a night on this little gathering.

Yeah, we've got a game tomorrow, so...

Not a real match, more like a spectacle.

I don't get why we're playing some Canadian amateurs,

in the middle of our time off.

It's just about Wickberg selling tickets.

Yeah.

So, when can I move in?

Whenever you want, as long as you can put up with me for a while.

You can have the bedroom until I'm out.

Oh...

Could you excuse us for a while.

- Yeah. - Of course.

We'll go to the kitchen.

Not bad, right?

Yeah.

It's getting serious with my girlfriend.

I'm moving into her house at Rävpasset.

- Oh. - My name is already on the mailbox.

- Well, then. - Yeah.

Plenty of wardrobe space...

You can have the bed, it's yours if you want it.

- I'd love to. - Okay.

Paris?

Yeah, why not? There's art, good food and Frenchmen.

I was thinking Stockholm.

Stockholm, why? Just snobs and the king.

- That's enough for me. - There you are.

- Hey. - Hi.

Want a beer? They're in the fridge, help yourself.

- Yeah. - You have to meet someone, come.

Do you want a beer?

Okay.

- Thanks. - I'm going to the bathroom Crumb.

Crumb?

Yeah. My friends call me that.

But you can call me Margitta.

Okay.

How do you know Prosten?

My cousin is his girlfriend.

So she dragged me along.

You're with that DJ, right?

No.

I am not with that DJ anymore.

That's a shame.

What?

That you've broken up.

Do you really think that's a shame? That we've broken up.

Well, of course it's a shame when it ends.

Isn't it always?

I think so, anyway.

So where do you live?

I live here.

What? In the same bed as Prosten?

No, he'll sleep on the couch.

He deserves it.

Where do you live?

I live in a sharehouse on Köpmangatan.

Do you like it?

I do actually. I love it.

That's lucky.

Come.

Let's go dance.

Can I get you something, sir?

- Apple juice, please. - Of course.

Oh, and I think I might order some food to eat at the bar.

Could I have a dinner menu?

God he was worried.

I mean Sweden was one giant haystack,

and he'd yet to find a single needle.

American?

Close, I'm Canadian.

What brings you to Sweden?

Kurt Larsson, he's a hockey goal tender from Södertälje.

You work in hockey?

Yeah.

Sorry but, you should look into Brynäs.

Up in Gävle.

They have a fantastic player there, Inge Hammarström.

You know the hockey here?

Enough to know Hammarström.

Gerry loves telling that story.

- Brynäs? - The night he got that tip.

- Gävle? - About Hammarström, not Börje.

- How do you spell that? - No, just Hammarström.

Hi.

What was your name again?

Börje.

I'm sorry, just a joke.

- Of course I know your name. - Good.

But... you didn't finish telling me last night.

Who are you?

And what do you dream about?

I...

I dream about this.

Oh? I didn't know hockey guys could be so romantic.

What do you dream about?

I dream about...

going to art school.

And...

I dream about being kissed by a guy from Kiruna.

You were so cute, we didn't wanna wake you.

You've slept through half the day.

What time is it?

Oh, shit.

I've got a game today.

I completely forgot.

- Okay. - Damnit.

But listen, I...

We'll talk after the game.

Okay.

Can I help you?

I think I can dress myself.

INGVAR ERICSSON HOCKEY

- Hey, Börje. - Hey.

Where's your watch.

Hey...

- So, are you hungover? - No, I'm good.

I hope so.

This came in the post.

National Hockey Team.

Congratulations, Börje.

You better hold the Salming flag high.

- You didn't get one? - Show them how to skate.

Börje, want to know what Prosten told me?

He said you got stuck in the kitchen last night.

With a certain Miss Gävle.

Focus on the game!

Right...

Did someone die? It's like a funeral in here.

Come on, Brynäs!

Come on, boys!

Come on, boys! Let's go!

What's this bloody rubbish? Virus, did you do this?

Did you do this?

So damn childish.

Welcome to Gavlerinken.

/This is the Star Cup.

Where Brynäs and our guests from afar from Canada, Barrie Flyers,

will compete in this game.

As usual, we've got...

Gerry was so damn pissed at himself.

Why was he being so desperate?

There he was, sitting in a freezing rink with his aching bones,

all because he got some tip from a guy in a bar,

a guy who never played a game of hockey in his life.

Come on, Brynäs!

Show these bastards how to play hockey.

They don't know much about playing hockey.

What the fuck are you looking at?

Speak English?

Fucking clown.

Oh what do we have here? Fucking Cinderella?

Fucking cunt!

- Brynäs! - Come on, boys!

Brynäs, Brynäs, Brynäs...!

Right from the drop boys!

Make 'em squeal!

Come on, boys!

Come on, Brynäs!

Run, you fucking bastard.

Good, Börje!

I'll fucking kill you!

Go, Börje!

Come on!

Here!

And Gerry's mood didn't get any better.

With a game that started with a big mess.

More like wrestling than a hockey game.

Brothers, Stig and Börje Salming get two minutes each for checking.

We hit the crossbar, didn't we?

I need a new stick.

- Yeah. - It got heated quickly down there.

Brynäs, Brynäs, Brynäs...!

Come on, Brynäs!

Come on, now!

But then, something magical happened.

Suddenly he wasn't sitting on this cold seat in a rink anymore.

He was like on a plush velvet seat, somewhere in Massey Hall,

watching one of the most beautiful ballets ever seen.

That's number seven, Inge Hammarström.

And after Hammarström scored that fourth goal,

Gerry just stood on his feet and applauded,

it was like the weight of the world had just vanished.

He makes his fourth goal of the evening.

Number 17, Börje Salming.

His first goal of the game.

Most scouts will tell ya, it's not really about the stats.

It's more about a feeling.

Like something just hits you in the gut.

And tonight, well, his gut was aching alright.

Cause he just couldn't take his eyes off a certain number 17.

Börje Salming.

Börje, Börje, Börje...!

Fucking clown!

Go get him! Kick his ass!

You wanna fucking dance?

What the hell, Börje!

Börje, fucking calm down.

Number 17, from Brynäs, Börje Salming,

is being penalised five plus ten minutes for spearing

and inappropriate behaviour.

And, additionally, match penalty.

Börje, Börje, Börje...!

Excuse me.

- Hey, Börje. - Go away, Viktor!

Okay.

Mr Salming?

My name is Gerry McNamara.

I'm a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I like what I saw out there tonight.

Would you be interested in coming to Canada?

To play hockey in the NHL?

- Yes. - Good.

My number is on that card.

Call me.

- Yes. - Okay.

And when Gerry saw that beautiful thumbs up he knew it.

He knew he finally found that needle in the haystack.

Come on, now.

What, is this for real?

He said you looked like a question mark.

But I didn't understand him.

Hey there.

Right, this is Björn Wagnsson.

Hello, Börje.

We've been in contact since Summit Series, off and on.

Björn is sort of my lawyer.

Lawyer. But focused on sports.

I protect Inge's interests.

And I'd like to do the same for you. If you're interested.

Listen, it's easy to get excited when major clubs approach you.

It's easy to sell yourself way too cheap.

But then the idea is that I'm there,

to make sure you get what you deserve.

And what's the catch?

I take 10% of the transfer fee.

But nothing beyond that.

For that, I handle the negotiations, the paperwork, contracts.

I book transport and hotels.

All of it.

We shouldn't have to deal with that kind of stuff.

- No... - We should focus on hockey,

not that rubbish.

- Yeah... - Börje,

let's say Toronto calls you tomorrow, offer you a contract,

what would you think your yearly pay should be?

I have no clue about that.

More than now, anyway.

But, could it be around 80 or 90 thousand?

- Crowns? - Yeah, is that too much?

I don't know.

What if I say 80 or 90 thousand dollars?

Dollars, Börje.

Yeah, why not.

- Why not? - Eighty thousand dollars.

We're talking 80 thousand dollars in the bank, Börje.

Oh my god.

Dollars.

Do you hear me? Dollars.

Welcome to the ice hockey World Championship.

We're pleased to welcome all the teams to Moscow.

We're entering the second period,

the score is one even.

Koskila,

Sotinen, Salming, Wickberg, Lundström.

Salming.

No boys in front of the goal...

Yes, here's another Salming now.

Salming...

And Salming he... scores!

He goes by himself, puts the puck in. This wonderful Salming.

Completely unexpected.

I think even the Finns were surprised Sweden scored but...

See how he ploughs though and gets the right lift on the puck.

The other foreign teams are staying here too.

The hotel is relatively central,

it's about five kilometres from the Luzhniki Stadium...

Now Gerry's on his way back home and he's just feeling top of the world.

Cause Salming and Hammarström, they're just tearing things up

for Sweden at the World Hockey Championships.

But there was a little problem.

You see, the Leafs hadn't signed them up to a contract yet.

So Gerry had to do a big U-turn

and slug his ass over to the Soviet Union.

You may serve vodka.

Here you go, gentlemen, your vodka.

Could you maybe bring us some apple juice?

Yeah, apple juice for me as well, please.

Okay.

I'll take one of these.

Now, apparently the Swedes they...

well they were doing something that Gerry just didn't expect.

It's good.

Ah, there you are.

Good day to you, gentlemen.

Hey there, boys.

Here you go.

Thank you.

This is my associate, Mr. Davidson.

He's the guy who's been keeping track of your stats.

Goals, passes, clearances, minutes on ice, you name it.

And Gerry, numbers don't lie, right?

Was I really so vile when I met you in Gävle,

that you felt you needed to hire a middleman?

I'm gonna take this in Swedish.

Boys, what you're witnessing here is a classic negotiation technique.

Where he's trying to get you closer to himself,

while simultaneously removing me from the negotiations.

All so you'll eventually agree to a lower bid than you deserve.

But note how nervous he gets when we're speaking Swedish,

and he realised we might be leaving.

We're impressed with what you guys have done throughout the tournament.

Yeah, I know. They've been fantastic.

And don't think they've gone unnoticed, by anyone.

- Inge. - Yeah?

- You still wanna be a Maple Leaf? - Yes!

I mean, yes.

Of course with the right deal in place and everything.

Right.

And what about you Salming, you ready to move to Canada?

What's he saying?

He's asking if you still want to play for Toronto?

- Yeah. - Say it, "yes".

- Yes! - Yes! There you have it.

Now let's celebrate, shall we? How do you say?

- Nastrovje? Nastrovje. - Nastrovje.

Can we have some vodka in here, please?

Luckily, with Davidson at his side,

best damn hockey scout the world's ever seen.

And of course 85,000 dollars a year.

More money than those kids had ever seen.

Unless you say, before Gerry could down his next apple juice,

it was "Go, Leafs, go!"

If he hadn't already, he's now secured a contract

with the major Canadian club, Toronto Maple Leafs,

who are here in Moscow and are said to have been

courting both Salming and Hammarström.

NEXT STOP TORONTO FOR BÖRJE AND INGE?

IS THIS THE END OF BRYNÄS' GLORY DAYS?

- Hey. - Damn traitors.

I don't understand why people always get so angry.

Huh?

What's the problem with us leaving?

You have to take a chance like this when you get it.

You'd also think they'd see the opportunities for Brynäs in this.

- Yeah. - Right?

Yeah.

What do you think? Can we manage another lap?

Huh?

Yeah.

Listen...

They might actually be sad that we're leaving,

but they're expressing it as anger.

It happens. People feel something inside,

but express something entirely different.

Yeah...

We'll need to disappoint people on the way, that's how it is.

It's how it's always been. It'll probably be like this at the top.

People will have opinions about absolutely everything.

As long as you and I can communicate openly...

I think we'll succeed.

Yeah, it is what it is.

- First around a lap? - You don't have a chance.

- Hey. - Hi.

It would've been nice if you had told me.

So I wouldn't have to find out from the TV.

I didn't really realise it was for real until we were over there.

It all went so fast.

Do you want to go?

Yeah... I guess I do.

Yeah.

Of course.

It's huge.

Why don't you come?

What? To Toronto?

Yeah.

What?

What would I do there?

There's lots of things you can do there.

You speak French too.

I just don't want us to end.

I don't want that either.

But it's a very big thing, to ask me to come to Toronto.

You understand that?

Yes.

But we could...

keep in touch, maybe you won't be there forever.

No, we signed for two years.

Yeah.

Exactly.

Can we at least keep seeing each other until I go?

I think that might just be...

drawing things out.

Okay.

- Hey. - Hi.

Nobody opened, but...

I assumed you were home.

Yeah.

I just wanted to stop by and...

well...

say goodbye.

Okay.

You haven't packed the coffee pot?

No.

I'll try to get you there too.

I'll talk to Toronto, they must see...

Thanks, Börje, that's nice of you.

The professional league isn't for me, I think.

- Why not? - I love home too much.

You had no problem leaving Kiruna.

That doesn't compare, you know that.

There was no future in Kiruna.

What's your future here?

We've already won everything we can win with Brynäs.

My family is here.

Lena and the kids.

Can't they come?

Yeah...

It's not quite that easy.

You'll get it when you have kids of your own.

- Have you lost your edge, or what? - I didn't say that.

I was going to buy you something, but...

I forgot.

Yeah...

So, are you excited? To go?

Mm.

Yeah, of course I am.

- What's wrong? - What?

I can tell something's wrong.

No, it's...

It's sad to leave everything.

You and the team.

Even if they seem to hate us now.

They're just jealous, it'll pass soon.

And it's sad to leave Margitta.

Mm.

Ask her to come.

I did.

Okay.

So, you're just giving up?

Hi.

I'm here to see Crumb.

Right, come on in.

- I'm Sune, by the way. - Börje.

I moved in with these guys the other day.

I don't want to go without you.

Börje...

No, that's how it is.

We agreed you'd go and we keep in touch...

Here's your ticket.

Come with me.

- Hi. - Hey.

Now you can be on time.

- What? I've got a flight to catch. - Yeah.

This is... it's pretty cool.

We're going.

Yeah.

What about Wagnsson? Do you think he'll be on time?

I'd hope so.

No...

I'm so nervous.

My legs are tingling.

Bloody hell.

This is...

What is this?

Hey there, boys, are you ready?

I want you to arrive at Arlanda airport in style.

- Watch out. - Damnit.

- There, get in. - Perfect.

Let's go.

Börje!

You were almost late.

- Hey, Margitta! - Hey, Inge!

Forward gear, full throttle.

Subtitles: Lily Ray plint.com