Paul Henderson: National Hero, On and Off the Ice

He played over 1,000 games in his professional career with the NHL & WHA, during which he is credited with scoring 376 goals. But it was his goal for Team Canada versus the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series that made him a national hero.

“The goal” scored on September 28th, 1972, just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Reminiscing with George Stroumboulopoulos on CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight (28/09/12), Paul shared “I felt I needed to get on the ice. I felt I could score a goal,” He also acknowledged how the goal brought a flood of attention and expectation. “I probably put too much pressure on myself. I wanted to perform for them (the fans), but you got to do what you do well.”

In the years that followed, Henderson’s life was transformed by faith. In his new book, The Goal of My Life: A Memoir (released September 2012), he notes, “Contentment does not come from achievement.” He suggests, “It comes from a relationship with the Lord.”

Henderson has found great joy in challenging business people to pursue relationships that matter and uncommon opportunities. Speaking to numerous LIG audiences, he has testified that while his life changed on the ice that day in 1972, he experienced even greater life change when he began his journey with Jesus.

In Novermber 2009, Paul was diagnosed with leukemia, a disease which still has no cure. Not known as one to quickly throw in the towel, Paul has chosen to tenaciously fight the cancer. “I trust God every day. I’m 69, and no one has lived a better life than I’ve had. I have no complaints. I just take it day by day and refuse to worry. I live each day the best way I can. I refuse to let cancer get me down. If tomorrow shows up, we’ll take a shot at it.” (Zoomer Magazine, 9.27.12)

Rebecca is a communicator, coach, musician, and proud mom of three. She loves to create, whether it be a new strategy in the board room, or a new dessert in the kitchen. She loves to give life to ideas through the spoken and penned word. Rebecca and her family spent five years living life in Asia but are now settling back into Canadian culture, making their home in Richmond, BC.