Miracle on Ice

The "Miracle on Ice" was a medal-round game during the men's ice hockey tournament at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. It played between the hosting United States and the four-time defending gold medalists, the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union had won the gold medal in five of the six previous Winter Olympic Games, and they were the favorites to win again in Lake Placid.^[1]^[2]

For the first game in the medal round, the United States played the Soviets. Finishing the first period tied at 2–2, and the Soviets leading 3–2 following the second, the U.S. team scored two more goals to take their first lead midway in the third and final period, then held on and won 4–3.^[3]^[4] Two days later, the U.S. won the gold medal by beating Finland in their final game. The Soviet Union took the silver medal by beating Sweden.^[5]^[6]

The victory became one of the most iconic moments of the Games and in U.S. sports. In 1999, Sports Illustrated named the "Miracle on Ice" the top sports moment of the 20th century.^[7]

Miracle On Ice Media

Herb Brooks Arena as of August 2019
The Soviet team's Vladislav Tretiak (pictured here in 2008) was considered the best goaltender in ice hockey in 1980. The Americans scored two goals against him before he was pulled from the game at the end of the first period.
United States vs Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics
Jim Craig's gear from 1980, at the Hockey Hall of Fame
The U.S. team lit the Olympic cauldron at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
The Miracle on Ice launched the careers of several players and made broadcaster Al Michaels famous.
Former Soviet National team player Helmuts Balderis, pictured in 2014. Balderis played a season late in his career with the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL.
Herb Brooks Arena in 2005