The world of sports is always full of surprises and most times cannot be predicted easily. One moment a team is winning, and within seconds, tables can turn, and the team that was formerly leading could end up losing. Such was the case of the of the USA Hockey team in the ice hockey tournament that took place on February 22, 1980. It was on that day that the famous “Miracle on Ice” phrase was formed, and till date, it still remains one of the most significant dates in the USA’s sports history.
On the 22nd of February, 1980, there was an ice hockey tournament match between 4-time gold champions, the Soviet Union, and the United States. It was a clash of titans, with the Soviet Union being the stronger team, because they had gotten five gold medals from six of the previously organized Winter Olympic Games, so apparently, they were the champions. The Soviet Union's ice hockey team was made up of seasoned players who had gotten international experience from their different participations in international matches in different parts of the world. The USA hockey team, on the other hand, consisted of young and inexperienced players. However, the USA hockey team performed well as they were unbeaten in the group stage, and was successful against countries like Czechoslovakia, and Sweden.
In the medal round, when the first game took place, there was a 2-2 tie between the Soviets and the United States in the first period, the Soviets who did not want to lose to the United States did all they could to lead in the second period, and they were successful, as the score at the end of the second period was 3-2 in favor of the Soviets. The USA hockey team came back in the final period and worked as hard as they could to beat the Soviets who were already four-time defending champions. The game was really intense, and few seconds to the end of the game, the USA Hockey team, just as the announcer for ABC, AI Michaels asked if people believed in miracles, a miracle happened immediately, and the USA Hockey team sailed past the Soviet team. That day was a notable for the United States, and for ice hockey because the USA Hockey team had succeeded in breaking the jinx of the Soviets and clinching gold in the process.
The “Miracle on Ice” as it is known, was called the 20th century’s top moment in sports, and according to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), in the past 100 years, the famous game between the USA hockey team and the Soviet Union’s is the best story in the history of international ice hockey.
2020 is another year of ice hockey tournaments; it is not known if there will ever be another game as intense and wonderful as the "Miracle on Ice" game; however, the 1980 game is one that will never be forgotten in the history of ice hockey.
You'll never forget this amazing victory if you are wearing a reminder by purchasing one of our USA Hockey licensed products that celebrate the Miracle on Ice!
