Members Of 1980 Us Hockey Team
The 1980 US Hockey Team is considered one of the greatest sports teams of all time. This team, made up of underdogs and college kids, pulled off one of the most improbable upsets in sports history, defeating the heavily-favored Soviet Union team in the Olympic semifinals. The US went on to win the gold medal, capturing the hearts of Americans and inspiring a nation.
The Players
The 1980 US Hockey Team was composed of 20 players, most of whom were college students. The team was coached by Herb Brooks, who was known for his unconventional coaching methods and his ability to inspire his players.
The players on the team included:
- Jim Craig (goaltender)
- Steve Janaszak (goaltender)
- Mike Ramsey (defenseman)
- Bob Suter (defenseman)
- Bill Baker (defenseman)
- Jack O'Callahan (defenseman)
- Ken Morrow (defenseman)
- Mark Johnson (forward)
- Rob McClanahan (forward)
- Buzz Schneider (forward)
- Mark Wells (forward)
- Mike Eruzione (forward)
- John Harrington (forward)
- Mark Pavelich (forward)
- Dave Christian (forward)
- Eric Strobel (forward)
- Neal Broten (forward)
- Steve Christoff (forward)
- Mark Johnson (forward)
- Phil Verchota (forward)
The Miracle on Ice
The Miracle on Ice was the semifinal game in which the US defeated the Soviet Union, which was considered the best hockey team in the world. The Soviet team was made up of professional players, while the US team was composed of amateurs and college students. The game took place on February 22, 1980, in Lake Placid, New York.
The Soviet team had won the gold medal in six of the seven previous Olympic Games, and they had beaten the US 10-3 in an exhibition game just weeks before the Olympics. No one expected the US to win, but the team played with heart and determination, and they pulled off the upset of a lifetime.
Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal in the third period, and the US held on to win 4-3. The US then defeated Finland in the gold medal game to win the Olympic championship.
The Legacy
The legacy of the 1980 US Hockey Team is one of inspiration and determination. The team showed that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Their victory over the Soviet Union was more than just a hockey game; it was a symbol of the American spirit.
The Miracle on Ice inspired a generation of Americans, and it remains one of the greatest moments in sports history. The players on the team went on to have successful careers in hockey and other fields, and they continue to be celebrated as heroes of American sports.
Conclusion
The 1980 US Hockey Team was more than just a group of college kids playing a game; they were a symbol of the American spirit. Their victory over the Soviet Union in the Miracle on Ice remains one of the most inspiring moments in sports history, and it continues to inspire generations of Americans today.