Miracle-Boys of '80

[HouWarrior]

In my grade school years in Madison, we'd enjoy heading up a few blocks to Westmoreland Park, where, in winter, they would build a rink. We would hack around with playground hockey. On one occasion, a group of guys joined in. As it was quickly apparent, they were really good; promptly, I skated off to watch. The group included Eric Heiden, who I recognized as I went to school with other Heidens. Someone else pointed out Mark Johnson, whose dad was UW's hockey coach. While I skated off, it now occurs to me...I shared the ice for a moment with 6 Gold medals.

I just watched the new Netflix special Miracle- Boys of '80. As the winter Olympics begin, I commend this watch. Personally, the Miracle is the greatest sports moment of my life. The Packers titles, MU in 77 (I was a student then) and other pro teams world titles reach my fans heart dearly.

But the miracle team was particularly special. The players were almost all my age-- my guys. We were too young to have fought in 'Nam. Few of us had yet done "anything" special in life. Then this group of guys I identified with pulled off one of the greatest sports feats of all time. The 70's had brought a close to a brutal war, Watergate mistrust, and Jimmy Carter complaining of our great American malaise, while pulling us out of the Moscow summer games. Suddenly, the Miracle; WOW! it was OK to chant USA and smile and cheer for our side. The win for me was uplifting and transformative. Maybe my age group of kids could do good things-together, after all.

Sorry if this sounds mushy, but I challenge you to watch this show and not well up a bit. I still believe in Miracles!

[NCMUFan]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[wadesworld]

It was an awesome watch.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Was a student back then. We watched the game and then ran out into our front yard waving an American flag and chanting "USA USA" over and over. Great memory. (It was also the last time I had Skoal.  )

[MU82]

In my grade school years in Madison, we'd enjoy heading up a few blocks to Westmoreland Park, where, in winter, they would build a rink. We would hack around with playground hockey. On one occasion, a group of guys joined in. As it was quickly apparent, they were really good; promptly, I skated off to watch. The group included Eric Heiden, who I recognized as I went to school with other Heidens. Someone else pointed out Mark Johnson, whose dad was UW's hockey coach. While I skated off, it now occurs to me...I shared the ice for a moment with 6 Gold medals.

I just watched the new Netflix special Miracle- Boys of '80. As the winter Olympics begin, I commend this watch. Personally, the Miracle is the greatest sports moment of my life. The Packers titles, MU in 77 (I was a student then) and other pro teams world titles reach my fans heart dearly.

But the miracle team was particularly special. The players were almost all my age-- my guys. We were too young to have fought in 'Nam. Few of us had yet done "anything" special in life. Then this group of guys I identified with pulled off one of the greatest sports feats of all time. The 70's had brought a close to a brutal war, Watergate mistrust, and Jimmy Carter complaining of our great American malaise, while pulling us out of the Moscow summer games. Suddenly, the Miracle; WOW! it was OK to chant USA and smile and cheer for our side. The win for me was uplifting and transformative. Maybe my age group of kids could do good things-together, after all.

Sorry if this sounds mushy, but I challenge you to watch this show and not well up a bit. I still believe in Miracles!

It was a great watch, even for someone who already knows the story well. Truly one of the great upsets ever, right up there with Buster Douglas. Plus, it took place right when America needed a jolt of energy.

I was a Marquette sophomore then, and I watched the game while working at the Milwaukee Athlect Club. Unforgettable.

I was fortunate later in life to get to know several of the principles, including Herb Brooks. A unique guy with an unflinching confidence and intensity, but also a good sense of humor.

[The Sultan]

This was broadcast on "tape-delay" at the time. We were turning on the game at home, which happened right after the local news, and the local news anchor actually let it slip that they won. Apparently this occurred in a couple of markets.

It was still fun to watch, but still...

[18thandWells]

nm

[Jay Bee]

I was like 5 and don't remember the game. I do remember hating russians as a elementary student, though. Go USA!

[Macallan 18]

I'm a Millennial and thought the Miracle on Ice was the gold medal game. Didn't know for a long time they still had to beat Finland to win the gold medal.

For those who watched those Olympics, was the gold medal game pretty competitive or did the USA run away with it. I would imagine after a huge emotional win over the Russians it may have been hard for the players to lock back in a few days later, even if it was the gold medal game.

[#UnleashJosh]

Pond hockey is dying in the youth today. Gotta MPGA! Make pond hockey great again

[MuggsyB]

Excellent watch.  I'll admit I cried.  It's sad Herb Brooks passed away. 

[The Sultan]

I'm a Millennial and thought the Miracle on Ice was the gold medal game. Didn't know for a long time they still had to beat Finland to win the gold medal.

For those who watched those Olympics, was the gold medal game pretty competitive or did the USA run away with it. I would imagine after a huge emotional win over the Russians it may have been hard for the players to lock back in a few days later, even if it was the gold medal game.

They were down 2-1 heading into the third period before outscoring them 3-0 in the third.

The way the gold medal was determined then was round robin including the games between the top two in the group stage. So had the US lost to Finland, they were likely the bronze medal winners...not even the silver.

[HutchwasClutch]

They were down 2-1 heading into the third period before outscoring them 3-0 in the third.

The way the gold medal was determined then was round robin including the games between the top two in the group stage. So had the US lost to Finland, they were likely the bronze medal winners...not even the silver.

One of the crushing blows to the Soviets that game was Mark Johnson's goal to end the first period.  And as I recall, the Soviets kinda relaxed a little as period was ticking down and Johnson delivered a dagger. 

They pulled probably the best goalie in the world to start the next period.  It was a massive turning point in the game.  Soviets were really over confident going in and lost their poise after that. 

If you were old enough to remember that day and weren't watching the tape delay (incredible to say it wasn't shown live) you remember where you were when you heard they pulled the shocking upset.  I was at my brother's high school basketball game.  I remember word spread like wildfire in the crowd.  Such a different era. 

One of the most incredible sports stories ever that team and their run and that political moment in history. 

[HutchwasClutch]

They were down 2-1 heading into the third period before outscoring them 3-0 in the third.

The way the gold medal was determined then was round robin including the games between the top two in the group stage. So had the US lost to Finland, they were likely the bronze medal winners...not even the silver.

By the way, down 3-2 entering final period and outscored them 2-0. Final 4-3. Eruzione with the winner.
*sorry, thought you meant game against Soviets. 

[HutchwasClutch]

I'm a Millennial and thought the Miracle on Ice was the gold medal game. Didn't know for a long time they still had to beat Finland to win the gold medal.

For those who watched those Olympics, was the gold medal game pretty competitive or did the USA run away with it. I would imagine after a huge emotional win over the Russians it may have been hard for the players to lock back in a few days later, even if it was the gold medal game.

That's exactly what happened, they were rather flat against Finland and just playing ok. Then they stormed out and dominated the third period. 

Brooks told the team, they would "take it to their f'ing graves" if they didn't finish the job against Finland. And repeated "To your f'ing graves!"  They responded.

[The Sultan]

One of the crushing blows to the Soviets that game was Mark Johnson's goal to end the first period.  And as I recall, the Soviets kinda relaxed a little as period was ticking down and Johnson delivered a dagger. 

They pulled probably the best goalie in the world to start the next period.  It was a massive turning point in the game.  Soviets were really over confident going in and lost their poise after that. 

If you were old enough to remember that day and weren't watching the tape delay (incredible to say it wasn't shown live) you remember where you were when you heard they pulled the shocking upset.  I was at my brother's high school basketball game.  I remember word spread like wildfire in the crowd.  Such a different era. 

One of the most incredible sports stories ever that team and their run and that political moment in history. 

Growing up in Madison at the time, it was pretty incredible. The US won six gold medals - 5 by Eric Heiden and one by the US hockey team that had two players from Madison (Johnson and Suter.)

By the way, down 3-2 entering final period and outscored them 2-0. Final 4-3. Eruzione with the winner.

Thanks. I gotta stop doing stuff from memory...

[HutchwasClutch]

Growing up in Madison at the time, it was pretty incredible. The US won six gold medals - 5 by Eric Heiden and one by the US hockey team that had two players from Madison (Johnson and Suter.)


Thanks. I gotta stop doing stuff from memory...

Lake Placid 80 games were incredible, not only US accomplishments, state of Wisconsin!!

You correctly recapped Finland/ gold medal game. My mistake that I thought you were recapping USSR game.  You had it right

[MuggsyB]

Growing up in Madison at the time, it was pretty incredible. The US won six gold medals - 5 by Eric Heiden and one by the US hockey team that had two players from Madison (Johnson and Suter.)


Thanks. I gotta stop doing stuff from memory...

Heiden is definitely in the conversation as having the greatest individual Olympics ever.  5 individual golds.  Phelps I believe got 5 as well and 8 overall in Beijing.  He probably has to get the top spot.  But when you consider Heiden won 5 races from 500m to 10000m, that's beyond ridiculous.  Regardless if speedskating isn't on people's radar like sprinting/running.  Phelps wasn't a long distance swimmer. 

[The Sultan]

Heiden is definitely in the conversation as having the greatest individual Olympics ever.  5 individual golds.  Phelps I believe got 5 as well and 8 overall in Beijing.  He probably has to get the top spot.  But when you consider Heiden won 5 races from 500m to 10000m, that's beyond ridiculous.  Regardless if speedskating isn't on people's radar like sprinting/running.  Phelps wasn't a long distance swimmer. 

Heiden then competed in the Tour de France.

[MuggsyB]

Stolz has a lot of game.  Another Wisconsinite.  I would imagine speed skating is more specialized now, but the difference between 500m and 10000m is crazy.  Heiden used to be the ortho for the Sacramento Kings and his MD is from Stanford.  He's done pretty well for himself.