28 years later

[rwfan007 18]

With all this trade talk going on, its time to take a step back and look at the sport of hockey in general and how it influences people. Back in 1980, the United States was in the middle of a bitter Cold War with Russia, formerly the USSR. Things were looking bleak and there was seemingly no end in sight for this war.

The Soviet Red Army hockey team was not making things any better for the United States. It had won 4 straight gold medals from 1964-1976. There was seemingly no end in sight to this either. These men were built to play hockey, that was their job. Most of them had played together for the past 10-15 years. However, in 1979, a man named Herb Brooks took the reigns of the U.S.A. hockey team. He set out with an impossible goal to upset the Soviet Union in the Olympics in February. He had 6 months to put a team together from amateur college players to put on the ice against the formidable opponent of the USSR.

Today is the 28th anniversary of this "Miracle". 28 years ago, on February 22, 1980, Captain Mike Eruzione scored the 4th goal for the United States to take the lead from the Russians with 10 minutes to play. After a ferocious finish, the United States was able to hold on and were victorious. This was much much more than just a hockey game. This was something the USA needed. This was a morale booster in the bleak days of the Cold War. Arguably the greatest upset and greatest sporting moment in the 20th century, the Miracle on Ice became a rallying point for Americans and, looking back, a heck of a hockey game.

[VM1138 1,921]

I really wish I could have been around for that. It gives me chills thinking about it and that was before my time.

[Z and D for the C 712]

Should make a movie about it.

Chris Chelios as Herb Brooks.

Edited February 22, 2008 by Z and D for the C

[egroen 384]

Someone needs to help my memory -- I know Chelios was on the '84 team, but didn't he try out for the '80 team or was he something like a year too young? Just can not remember right now.

[Opie 308]

Should make a movie about it.

Chris Chelios as Herb Brooks.

What is to stop Chris Chelios from Playing every role, directing the movie, and producing it?

[Spongewingredpants 75]

Should make a movie about it.

Chris Chelios as Herb Brooks.

You might be interested in seeing the movie already made with Kurt Russel

[JayUp88 1]

Someone needs to help my memory -- I know Chelios was on the '84 team, but didn't he try out for the '80 team or was he something like a year too young? Just can not remember right now.

I think that was the last year they didn't use NHL players. it was all college boys

[JayUp88 1]

You might be interested in seeing the movie already made with Kurt Russel

i think they were joking..... i hope so.

[Guest LivingtheDream]

Cool, I had no idea today was the day. Something else that is interesting about that game is the broadcast was delayed a few hours because it was played something like 4 in the afternoon. Sign of the times, but many people were able to watch the game without knowing who won! Me included. Try that today!

Given the Cold War you almost felt that if we made a big hit the commies might launch a missile attack or something. Unlike the insane suicidal brain washed zacto-knife wielding ***** terrorists, the Soviets had the capability to destroy our entire country in about a half hour (not to mention the planet) and there was almost continuous tension with them for 30 years. To stand up to the Soviets in a hockey game was a HUGE deal. Also, This was during the beginning of the Iran Hostage Crisis and the country was in a pathetic state over that and the economy stunk. You might say it was time for someone to get their ass kicked or for someone somewhere to just get something right for a change, but the only people who came through were a bunch of American college kids who beat the best hockey team on the planet.

[Thomaslupojr 0]

go to espn.com and search greatest highlight. it is the miracle on ice vs gibsons homerun in the 88 world series today. Go vote!!!