1980 Men's Hockey Team Roster
When it comes to sports history, few events are as iconic as the "Miracle on Ice" game that took place during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The United States men's hockey team, made up of relatively unknown college players, faced off against the heavily favored Soviet Union team in a game that would go down in history. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 1980 men's hockey team roster and the players who made history that day.
Who Was on the 1980 Men's Hockey Team?
The 1980 men's hockey team was made up of 20 players, all of whom were amateur athletes. The roster included:
- Steve Baker (goalie)
- Neal Broten (forward)
- Jim Craig (goalie)
- Mike Eruzione (forward) - team captain
- John Harrington (forward)
- Steve Janaszak (goalie)
- Mark Johnson (forward)
- Rob McClanahan (forward)
- Ken Morrow (defenseman)
- Jack O'Callahan (defenseman)
- Mike Ramsey (defenseman)
- Mark Pavelich (forward)
- Eric Strobel (defenseman)
- Dave Silk (forward)
- Buzz Schneider (forward)
- Phil Verchota (forward)
- Mark Wells (forward)
- Bob Suter (defenseman)
- Bill Baker (defenseman)
- David Christian (forward)
How Did the 1980 Men's Hockey Team Come Together?
The 1980 men's hockey team was put together by coach Herb Brooks, who had been studying and analyzing the Soviet Union hockey team for years. Brooks knew that beating the heavily favored Soviet team would require a group of players who were willing to work hard and play as a team, rather than relying on individual talent.
Brooks scouted players from college teams across the country, ultimately selecting a roster of players who had never played together before. The team played a series of exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, but struggled against professional and international teams.
What Happened in the "Miracle on Ice" Game?
The "Miracle on Ice" game took place on February 22, 1980, in front of a crowd of 10,000 spectators. The Soviet Union team was widely considered to be the best hockey team in the world, having won the gold medal in six of the previous seven Olympic Games.
The game was intense and hard-fought, with both teams giving it their all. The Soviet team outshot the United States 39-16, but goalie Jim Craig made save after save to keep the Americans in the game.
The United States scored two goals in the second period to tie the game, and then took the lead with another goal in the third period. The Soviet team fought hard to tie the game, but the United States held on for the 4-3 victory.
What Happened to the 1980 Men's Hockey Team After the Olympics?
The United States men's hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union was one of the most significant moments in sporting history, and the players became instant heroes. Many of the players went on to have successful careers in the NHL, and several became coaches and broadcasters.
The team reunited in 2002 for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where they served as honorary captains for the United States team. In 2015, the team was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
The 1980 men's hockey team will forever be remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. The team's victory over the Soviet Union was a defining moment for the United States, and the players who made up the roster will always be remembered as heroes. By working hard and playing as a team, the 1980 men's hockey team proved that anything is possible with the right attitude and determination.