Forty Years Later- Do you Believe In Miracles?

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February 22, 1980-The Cold war was in full effect and gas lines were as long as the Delaware River. The United States was at war with the USSR, and Bruce Springsteen was shoving out hits left and right. Not
only was there a country versus a country battle going on, but we had ourselves a hockey game taking place-40 years ago today. A hockey game that would forever change the lives of the players involved, and the 85,000 people in attendance.

Chants of “USA, USA, USA” screamed through a jam packed arena at Lake Placid, NY. Cheers for the USA olympic team to defeat the USSR in the medal round. A chance to prove that a bunch of college kids can defeat the best in the world-and you bet your bottom they did.
Speaking from a fan perspective- this moment in hockey was before my time. I never was educated on what took place at the 1980 Olympics, was never told who Jimmy Craig was, the goalie who left it all out there.

Jack “O-C” Callahan, the gritty player who would do what he could to score a goal. The Captain, Mike Eruzione- a leader that was trusted by USA Head Coach Herb Brooks. This was the team that would save a nation.

Herb Brooks did not get to witness the movie starring Kurt Russell, who portrayed Herb in the movie- but he lived it. He witnessed a win that no one would have suspected in a lifetime- a win that no one would have suspected to happen. A bunch of college kids uniting as a team, as a nation to defeat the best in the world, in which they did.

I can say that I have had the honor to play at Lake Placid as a young lad. The feeing walking in there will always bring emotions I have never felt before. The tears and joy of becoming a hockey player. the ice that Team USA shocked the world. I put my gear on, walked on the ice and broke down. I knew what had happened here- what took place.

Regardless of the outcome of that game, all of us left the ice asking ourselves one question. Do we believe in Miracles? Yes!. A salute to all the players and coaching staff involved with the 1980 USA team. You guys lived it.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.