36th Anniversary - American sports history – the Miracle on Ice
Posted by Connor Nybo on 24th Feb 2016
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.