Miracle On Ice!!!
40 years ago today, it was the Miracle on Ice!
More than just an Olympic hockey game, the U.S. played the invincible U.S.S.R. team who routinely won gold medals. The last time they didn't had been in 1960 when the U.S. had beat them. Since then, a Soviet powerhouse. They were 'amateurs' who did nothing but train and play hockey. The U.S.? College kids who had to come together, though some had previously played together as most of the players came from Massachusetts and Minnesota.
The backdrop? A very frigid Cold War, U.S. hostages being held in Iran, the energy crisis...the game became symbolic of bigger issues. The U.S. won on Massachusetts' own Mike Eruzione's game-winning goal and Jim Craig's incredible goaltending, and from the sweat and effort of every man on that team, including Head Coach Herb Brooks. Jack O'Callahan came back from a serious injury to play and contribute.
The game was a semi-final. The U.S. won against Finland for the gold medal.
Sweet! :)
The 2004 movie, Miracle, is excellent!
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
More than just an Olympic hockey game, the U.S. played the invincible U.S.S.R. team who routinely won gold medals. The last time they didn't had been in 1960 when the U.S. had beat them. Since then, a Soviet powerhouse. They were 'amateurs' who did nothing but train and play hockey. The U.S.? College kids who had to come together, though some had previously played together as most of the players came from Massachusetts and Minnesota.
The backdrop? A very frigid Cold War, U.S. hostages being held in Iran, the energy crisis...the game became symbolic of bigger issues. The U.S. won on Massachusetts' own Mike Eruzione's game-winning goal and Jim Craig's incredible goaltending, and from the sweat and effort of every man on that team, including Head Coach Herb Brooks. Jack O'Callahan came back from a serious injury to play and contribute.
The game was a semi-final. The U.S. won against Finland for the gold medal.
Sweet! :)
The 2004 movie, Miracle, is excellent!
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)