From Lake Placid to Milano Cortina: Believing in Miracles

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the legendary “Miracle on Ice,” when the United States men’s hockey team faced off against the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. I was just 11 years old, like many kids from Massachusetts, and I can vividly remember the pride swelling as we watched our underdog team take on the dominant Soviets. With nearly half of the team hailing from Massachusetts and New England, the excitement in Boston was especially electric.

The “Miracle on Ice” remains one of the most celebrated moments in American sports history. A young team of amateur and collegiate players, led by coach Herb Brooks, defeated the heavily favored Soviet team 4-3 in a game that transcended athletics. This victory, set against the backdrop of the Cold War, became a symbol of American resilience, determination, and possibility. Two days later, the U.S. team capped off their Olympic journey by defeating Finland 4-2 to secure the gold medal. Captain Mike Eruzione’s game-winning goal against the Soviets and Al Michaels’ unforgettable broadcast call, “Do you believe in miracles? YES!”, are forever etched into Olympic lore.

For those of us who watched that historic game as kids, it was more than hockey, it was inspiration. It reminds us that seemingly impossible goals can be achieved with courage, teamwork, and belief. Let us carry that spirit into the present and inspire our students to aim high, persevere, and “be the miracle” in their own lives. Do I believe in miracles? Absolutely! And you can relive that unforgettable moment here: Watch the Miracle on Ice.

Fast forward 46 years, and the story continues. Today, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, draws to a close. The U.S. men’s hockey team faces Canada in a gold medal showdown, coincidentally on the same date as that historic 1980 victory. Just days ago, the U.S. women’s hockey team also triumphed over Canada in overtime, proving once again that miracles are possible on the ice.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded that the spirit of the “Miracle on Ice” lives on—through every athlete who dares to defy expectations and every person who believes in the impossible. Today, we believe in miracles once more.

Step Back into History

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