Roster Of 1980 Usa Hockey Team
The 1980 USA Hockey Team is considered one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. The team was made up of amateur players who had little experience playing together at the international level. However, they overcame incredible odds to win the Olympic gold medal, defeating the heavily-favored Soviet team in the process.
Leading Up to the Olympics
The journey to the Olympics began with the selection of coach Herb Brooks, who had a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian. He put the team through grueling practices and often clashed with players, but his methods ultimately paid off. Brooks selected a roster that consisted of young college players and a few veterans who had played in previous international competitions.
The team began their Olympic journey with a loss to Sweden, but they quickly rebounded with victories over Czechoslovakia, Norway, and Romania. Their final game of the round-robin tournament was against the Soviet Union, who were heavily favored to win the gold medal.
Miracle on Ice
The game against the Soviet Union, which would later be called the "Miracle on Ice," was one of the most significant moments in sports history. The Soviet team had won the gold medal in every Olympics since 1964 and had beaten the United States in an exhibition game just weeks before the Olympics. However, the young American team, led by captain Mike Eruzione, played an outstanding game and scored a goal in the third period to take a 4-3 lead. The Soviet team was unable to score again, and the United States had pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history.
The United States would go on to defeat Finland in their final game to win the gold medal. The "Miracle on Ice" game against the Soviet Union remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history and is often cited as an example of the power of teamwork and determination.
The Roster
The 1980 USA Hockey Team roster consisted of the following players:
- Steve Janaszak
- Jim Craig
- Phil Verchota
- Mike Ramsey
- Rob McClanahan
- Dave Silk
- Mike Eruzione (Captain)
- Mark Johnson
- John Harrington
- Mark Pavelich
- Jack O'Callahan
- Eric Strobel
- Bob Suter
- Neal Broten
- Mark Wells
- Dave Christian
Each player on the roster played an important role in the team's success, and their victory remains a source of pride for Americans and hockey fans everywhere.
In Conclusion
The 1980 USA Hockey Team remains one of the most beloved and inspiring teams in sports history. Their victory over the heavily-favored Soviet team in the "Miracle on Ice" game is a testament to the power of teamwork and determination. The players on the team, many of whom were amateurs at the time, will forever be remembered as heroes who achieved the impossible.