Watch The Final Seconds Of The Miracle On Ice In Celebration Of 44-Year Anniversary
Thursday marks the 22-year anniversary of the greatest sports accomplishment in America's history:
On the fateful day of February 22, 1980 in Lake Placid, New York, the United States men's hockey team faced off against the Soviet Union in the medal round of the winter Olympic games.
The Soviet Union had the greatest hockey juggernaut the world had ever seen. The U.S.S.R. had secured gold medals in 1956, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976, leading in the 1980 games.
Nobody in the world could match the Soviets leading into the 1980 games, and the communists famously blasted the USA in an exhibition game prior to the Olympics.
Another gold medal seemed like a total certainty, but Herb Brooks and his scrappy team of American college stars had other ideas.
Team USA celebrates their 4-3 victory over the Soviet Union in the semi-final Men's Ice Hockey event at the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York on February 22, 1980. The game was dubbed "the Miracle on Ice". The USA went on to win the gold medal by defeating Finland 4-2 in the gold medal game. (Photo by Steve Powell /Getty Images)
The Miracle on Ice celebrates its 44-year anniversary.
After an unexpectedly impressive group play performance, the United States still entered the medal round as heavy underdogs against the communist machine. It's believed the moneyline on the game would have been +1,000 for the USA if someone could find it. Again, the game wasn't supposed to be close.
Set against the backdrop of insanely high political tensions and a war in Afghanistan, both teams took the ice, and what happened next shocked the world.
The United States pulled off 4-3 win against a team many believed - and rightfully so - was unbeatable. Led by Mark Johnson, the Americans were able to somehow secure four goals on just six shots compared to the Soviet Union's three goals on 39 shots. Jim Craig put on the performance of a lifetime.
Do yourself a favor by cracking a beer, smashing the play button below, and then let me know your thoughts on the game at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
The Miracle on Ice was about a lot more than a hockey game. It was communism vs. capitalism. The East vs West. Freedom vs. oppression.
It was a reminder of American exceptionalism at a team when the USA desperately needed one. Also, don't forget it wasn't the gold medal game. The USA still had to beat Finland.
Also, I'd be lying if I didn't admit what an impact the game has had on me and my family. I watch the movie a few times a year, and have a jersey signed by the team in a location I won't disclose.
A look at the jersey signed by the Miracle on Ice team secured in a secret location. (Credit: David Hookstead)
Finally, you didn't think I was going to leave you without the best parts of the movie? Enjoy and take a moment today to celebrate the incredible achievement.