36 years ago, something truly amazing happened in the world of sports, and four people from Massachusetts took part in it. Jim Craig of North Easton, Dave Silk of Scituate, Mike Eruzione of Winthrop and Jack O’Callahan of Charlestown, names that will forever be remembered as part of American sports. 36 years ago those men, along with their fellow teammates, played for team USA beating the Soviet Union hockey team in the Olympics, a moment so amazing it was forever known as the “Miracle on Ice”.
It was the 1980’s and tension between the US and the Soviet Union was at an all time high. Many people used this game as an analogy for how the two countries felt about each other. A group of college students who made it to the USA Olympic hockey team, versus the Soviets who were highly skilled. Just two weeks prior to the famous game, USA and the Soviet Union played each other. It was not pretty. The Soviets crushed the US 10-3. It looked like all hope was lost for the USA hockey team. Instead coach Herb Brooks was not going to give up. He showed up with the rest of team USA, and brought a confidence that most never see in their lifetime. Facing incredible odds, with most people doubting them, they played like their life was on the line. What came of the hard work and dedication was something out of a fairytale; Team USA won 4-3. That team went on to be remembered as the “Miracle on Ice” because no one expected them to win. Most people thought the Soviets were going to steamroll the competition. But team USA wasn’t about to let the American people down and they fought for that win with every breath. If you haven’t seen the video of the winning goal or how all the players came together, go and watch it (above). If that doesn’t make you feel proud of this country (and those men from MA) then nothing else will.