When the NHL Invaded Japan: The Washington Capitals, the Kansas City Scouts and the Coca-Cola Bottlers' Cup, 1975-1976

The Washington Capitals and Kansas City Scouts traveled to Japan for a four-game exhibition series in 1976, dubbed the Coca-Cola Bottlers' Cup. Despite their poor records, the series was a success and helped the teams gain popularity in Japan. The book includes rare photos and player recollections of the event.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

When the National Hockey League (NHL) announced in early 1976 that its two worst teams, the Washington Capitals and Kansas City Scouts, would travel to Japan for a four-game exhibition series dubbed the Coca-Cola Bottlers' Cup, fans and media were baffled. The Capitals and the Scouts were both expansion teams, with a combined 46 wins, 236 losses, and 38 ties in their first two seasons. These stats were made more dismal when considering that seven of those wins were against each other. Despite lagging so hopelessly behind the rest of the NHL, they were perfect for a one-off event on the other side of the globe. The series was an eye-opening success. Players skated on an Olympic swimming pool ringed with rickety boards hung with fishing nets that boomeranged pucks into their faces, as curious Japanese fans gasped at the gap-toothed Canadians wrestling on the ice. Filled with rare photos and player recollections, this book tells the story of how two league doormats became hockey heroes halfway around the world.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476687612