36th Anniversary - American sports history – the Miracle on Ice

This week marks the 36th anniversary of one of the most important events in

American sports history – the Miracle on Ice

The Miracle on Ice is one the select group of sporting events that resonates for a

lifetime with those who tuned in. As the United States national hockey team,

comprised of nothing more than college players, defeated the mighty Soviet Union, a

legend was born. 

With the Cold War as the backdrop in a politically contentious time for both nations,

the game had much more implication than merely what was on the ice. The USA

brought a classic American spirit and idealism. The Soviets came to the tournament

with some of the best players in the world, having won the gold medal in five out of

the previous six Olympic Games. 

The Americans dominated the tournament in the group stage, winning four out of

five games, and tying once. The final round pitted the United States against the

Soviet Union in the semifinal match. After the first period ended in a 2-2 tie, the

Soviets took a 3-2 lead in the second period. Mark Johnson tied the game up with his

second goal of the game late in the third period. 

The scene was set for the Americans to pull off one of the greatest upsets in sports

history. With 10 minutes to play in the game, Mike Eruzione scored to put the USA

up by one against the supposed best team in the world. Thanks to fantastic play

from goalie Jim Craig, the United States held on to shock the world in one of the

most well known scenes in American sports history. 

You can capture the essence of the spirit the Miracle team embodied with items

from two of its most legendary players. The Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig “80 Gold”

USA Hockey Authentic Signed 8X10 Miracle Photo are available now from Press Pass

Collectibles.