Soviet History Viewed Through Ice Hockey

As the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the US was heating up in the 1970s and 1980s, the Soviet ice hockey squad was a powerhouse. Their teamwork and balletic performances used as proof by the Soviet propaganda machine that socialism worked. Then 35 years ago the US pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sporting history - they defeated the seemingly invincible Russians at the Winter Olympics in what has become known as the "Miracle on Ice".

A new documentary film entitled "Red Army" tells the personal stories of the famed Soviet team. Newsday's Nkem Ifejika spoke to director Gabe Polsky.

(Photo:Red Army hockey team walking out for a match. Credit: Curzon Artificial Eye)