TORONTO, Ont. – At a celebration overflowing with Canadian hockey greatness, a thunderous cheer erupted for Paul Henderson, whose winning goal ended the ’72 Summit Series.

The winning goal is considered one of the greatest moments in Canadian sport history.

“The goal of the century that lives forever…,” master of ceremonies Ron MacLean announced at the 40th anniversary celebration at the Fairmont Royal York.

A star-struck Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he would seek autographs later.

“I’m not kidding you, I will be,” he said.

“We’re all in awe of these guys.” “It’s just wonderful to see all these true legends. I just can’t believe it.”

Harper said the members of Team Canada ’72 have been heroes for four decades but now they are legends.

Team Canada’s Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr and Peter Mahovlich received a huge response but the player who sparked a standing ovation, played for the rival team — Alexander Yakushev.

“Got to say Mr.Yakushev, we like you a lot more today than we did in ’72,” Anderson quipped.

In September 1972, Canada and the Russia played in an eight-game series.

Last week, the team was inducted into the Walk of Fame.