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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In February 1980, the United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the semifinals of the 1980 Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. Team USA, comprised of 20 amateur collegiate hockey players including former University of North Dakota hockey player Dave Christian, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team in a game referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.” At a time when the United States was struggling with rampant stagflation, high gas prices, hostages held in Iran, and increased tensions with the Soviets after their invasion of Afghanistan, the Miracle on Ice was a turning point for American hockey and American patriotism.

To recognize the 45th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice game, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation will award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their extraordinary achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. A companion measure of the legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08).

The three awards will be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York. 

“Not only is the ‘Miracle on Ice’ game a symbol of great teamwork and determination, but it really symbolizes the unity of our nation at the height of the Cold War, at a time when we really needed unity,” said Cramer. “I’m deeply honored to introduce the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize this historic and extraordinary achievement of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team.”

“In one of the greatest sports moments in American history, our nation witnessed a miracle when 20 college and minor league athletes on our U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Team beat the vaunted Soviet Union Team at the 1980 Winter Olympic games in Lake Placid. The U.S. Team demonstrated great American fighting spirit and a gritty determination to prevail against all odds, that propelled them to a miraculous victory over the Soviet Red Army juggernaut and sparked pride and patriotism across the nation that has inspired generations of Americans since. They then went on to a come-from-behind win in the gold medal game against the Finns, cementing Lake Placid’s hallowed place in American sports history. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to award Congressional Gold Medals for one of America’s favorite and inspirational Olympic gold medal teams,” said Senator Schumer. “Great moments are born from great challenge, and 45 years later this win still resonates with so many Americans and serves as an indisputable moment of pride that unites the country. To paraphrase the broadcast that day by Al Michaels, decades later we ask: Do you still believe in miracles? YES! That is why we should commemorate this moment and Lake Placid’s place in American history by awarding this Olympic Gold Medal team with Congressional Gold Medals to be displayed at the Lake Placid Olympic Center and other Olympic and hockey exhibits across the country.”

“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 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.”

Additional cosponsors of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Gary Peters (D-MI). House cosponsors include U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), and Bill Keating (D-MA-09). 

“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."

Click here for bill text.