Stauber Renews Push to Award Congressional Gold Medals to the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic Hockey Team
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would award three Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team for their historic victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Joining Stauber in its reintroduction are Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-9), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-5), and Congressman Bill Keating (MA-9).
“Coach Herb Brooks and his team of young hockey players accomplished the impossible and made us all believe in miracles at a time when our nation really needed it,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “Minnesotans played an integral role in achieving this historic victory which is why I am so proud to reintroduce this legislation to honor this Olympic team. As we rapidly approach the 45th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, it is a high priority of mine to get this passed in the immediate future because these American hockey heroes deserve to be celebrated.”
“The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team is most deserving of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Pat Kelleher, Executive Director of USA Hockey. “Their unlikely run to the gold medal in Lake Placid, which included a historic win over the Soviet Union, inspired our nation at what was a very trying time. We encourage fans to contact their congressional representatives in support of this bill and its passage.”
"The most special moments in sports actually transcend the playing surface," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "Truly rare are those that captivate an entire nation and still resound nearly half a century later. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team's stunning victory over the Soviets in Lake Placid, New York, and its gold medal-clinching triumph over Finland two days later comprise perhaps the most memorable and impactful achievement in the history of athletics. We at the National Hockey League enthusiastically support the introduction of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act and look forward to its passage in Congress and eventual signing by the president."
The three Congressional Gold Medals will be given to three different locations: the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN; the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, NY; and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, CO.
This bill currently has over one hundred original cosponsors.
BACKGROUND:
On February 22, 1980, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York. This game is now known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The United States team was comprised of amateur college athletes while the Soviet’s team was comprised of some of the best players to ever play the game. Prior to this game, the Soviet Union had not lost an Olympic game since 1968.
Eight years after this game, Congressman Stauber and the Lake Superior State University Division 1 hockey team won the National Championship at the same rink in Lake Placid, New York.
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