Ep. 57 / From '72 Summit Series to Spiritual Calling with Paul Henderson

A single rebound with 34 seconds left can lift an entire country—but what happens when the cheering stops? In this episode we sit down with hockey legend, Paul Henderson, to relive the raw, unvarnished story behind Canada’s most celebrated hockey moment and the unexpected turn that shaped the rest of his life. 

From the formation of the Clarke–Ellis–Henderson line, to the humbling wake-up call of Game 1, Paul takes us inside the Summit Series—team dynamics, fatigue, tactical adjustments, and the pressure of a nation riding on every shift. The infamous goal in Moscow wasn’t pretty; it was persistence. And that’s exactly where the deeper story begins. 

Fame brought bright lights and a restless edge. In this conversation, Paul opens up about returning to Toronto, the Leafs’ dysfunction under Ballard, and why he chose the WHA despite an unshaken desire to win the Stanley Cup. Then a quiet interruption: a mentor who asked better questions than a camera ever could. That relationship nudged Paul towards the Gospel, and a long, private exploration of who Jesus is, and a simple prayer that led to a steady change in habits, focus and hope. Eleanor’s journey (Paul's wife)—and their family’s—adds a grounding layer to the arc, showing faith not as a spotlight but as a daily practice that holds under pressure. 

Paul also shares practical rhythms: starting the day with the Lord’s Prayer, guarding unhurried time, and asking honest questions that meet people where they hurt. If you’re a hockey fan, a leader under strain, or a seeker sorting through noise, you’ll find a rare mix of grit, candor and clarity here.

If you'd like to hear more from Paul Henderson you can go to his website, and you can learn about his leadership ministry through LeaderImpact.ca

And please don't forget to share this episode and join the conversation on YouTube! 

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