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.