The 44th Anniversary of the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid
Reflecting on a legendary Olympic moment in USA hockey history in the Adirondack State Park.
Herb Brooks Arena, Lake Placid, NY
Our family purchased our Adirondack camp in February of 1980. Our first weekend in our mid-century A-Frame (christened “Chal-A” by the previous owners) also coincided with the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York, over an hour north of our new Adirondack retreat.
The Winter Olympic Games, of course, were big news at the time, but in those days before streaming media (the internet was only a gleam in Al Gore’s eye), the broadcast channel that provided the ”best” reception to our home was WPTZ in Plattsburgh, NY. We watched the grainy footage of the 1980 Olympics — some live, some pre-recorded — on a black and white 23” TV that came with our new vacation home.
An Olympic way-station on the Adirondack Northway.
Given our vacation home’s proximity to I87, the New York Interstate that connects New York City to Montreal, we were a popular stopping-off point for friends visiting the Games from Albany/Schenectady/Troy and other points south of the Adirondacks.
Today, it seems incredible that our friends and neighbors would be able to snag prime tickets to Olympic competitions and drive up for the day to attend the events.
Even more so, Brother Bear and I are still perplexed about why our family didn’t attend any Olympic events, given that tickets seemed readily available if our neighbors could get them.
From those casual Olympic passers-by, we first heard about the “Miracle on Ice” before the rest of the USA and the world.
The USA Hockey team was not favored to win in 1980.
The 1980 Olympic match-up between the USSR and the USA was not anticipated to be a competition of champions. The USA hockey team was largely considered an underdog, and with the Soviet Union's dominant hockey program boasting several back-to-back Olympic Gold Medals, expectations for the American team were modest at best.
However, Coach Herb Brooks had been meticulously preparing his team for this moment, instilling a sense of belief and camaraderie among the players. Despite the odds, they were determined to make their mark on the Winter Olympics.
Then came February 22, 1980, a date that would forever be etched in sports history. In a stunning upset, the USA hockey team faced off against the heavily favored Soviet Union team in the medal round. What ensued was nothing short of, well, miraculous. Against all expectations, the young American squad delivered a performance for the ages, defeating the Soviets 4-3 in a game that would come to be known as the Miracle on Ice.
Site of the famous Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics, now named Herb Brooks Arena, Lake Placid, NY
The victory sent shockwaves throughout the sports world and captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The U.S. Team would later go on to defeat Finland for the Gold Medal in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The Miracle On Ice was not televised live, but we got the inside scoop on the U.S. victory.
ABC, which held the broadcast rights for the Olympics, requested to reschedule the game from 5 pm EST to 8 pm so that it could be broadcast live in primetime. However, the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) declined the request after the Soviet team complained that the game would air at 4 am Moscow Time if played at 8 pm in the U.S. As a result, ABC decided to tape delay the game's broadcast for its primetime coverage in the United States.
Before the game aired, ABC’s Olympics host Jim McKay openly stated that the game had already occurred but that they had promised not to spoil its results. Despite this, visitors to our home spilled the beans and related the story of “The Miracle on Ice” before the rest of the world heard about it.
Celebrating the Miracle on Ice Anniversary.
As we commemorate the anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, it's essential to reflect on its enduring legacy and significance. It serves as a reminder that greatness can emerge from the unlikeliest of places and that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
The Miracle on Ice continues to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the timeless allure of sports and their ability to unite people from all walks of life.
Let us also take the opportunity to explore other facets of Lake Placid's rich history. From its stunning natural beauty to its storied Olympic legacy, there's no shortage of fascinating tales waiting to be uncovered in the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid Village in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. Photo courtesy ROOST; photographer Shaun Ondak.
Visit the Olympic Center in Lake Placid to see the Jack Shea Arena (built for the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics — the first Winter Games on U.S. soil), 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, USA Practice Rink, James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, and The Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The Museum is fascinating and commemorates both the 1932 and 1980 Olympic games.
Relive the magic of Olympic Glory at the Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp in Lake Placid.
Each year, the Olympic Regional Development Authority organizes an immersive experience celebrating the Miracle on Ice. Participants can join players from the gold medal-winning 1980 USA Hockey Team for a Miracle On Ice Fantasy Camp in Lake Placid, NY.
The multi-day event allows “campers” to connect with one of the greatest sports moments of all time as they skate and compete in the 1980 Rink – Herb Brooks Arena, where the USA conquered the Russians and shocked the sports and political world. This is a fantastic chance to meet and get to know the legendary U.S. Hockey team players in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Lake Placid.
The Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp program includes:
Evaluation & Practice Ice
Team Draft
Round Robin Tournament
Access to the Lake Placid Olympic Sites
Awards Ceremony
Round-trip transportation from Albany International Airport and in-town transportation
Custom gear package including two replica 1980 USA jerseys; helmet, gloves, socks, pants and other custom camp apparel; souvenir autographed stick; equipment bag; framed autographed team photo and camp highlight video!
Deluxe 4-night accommodations in the heart of Lake Placid, all meals (4 breakfasts, lunches and dinners), and a nightly hospitality suite for campers and their guests
There is a waitlist for the 2024 camp, so visit ORDA’s website for more information and learn when registration will open for 2025.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do in the Lake Placid area.
