Latest news with #U.S.HockeyTeam
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Miracle on Ice' anniversary: See photos of U.S. Hockey's win over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Olympics
Team USA celebrates on the ice after defeating the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., on Feb. 22, 1980. () Millions of Americans who watched Team USA lose an overtime thriller to rival Canada in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off hockey championship this week got a taste of what it was like in 1980 — but with a much different result. Saturday marks the 45th anniversary of the 'Miracle on Ice,' when the U.S. Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in Lake Placid, N.Y., during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, en route to winning the gold medal. The U.S. team, led by the legendary coach Herb Brooks and made up of amateur collegiate players, were the underdogs against the Soviet Union, the four-time defending gold medalist, in the medal round. Advertisement Newsletter: The Yodel Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Sign up By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. It wasn't easy. The U.S. fell behind three times (1-0, 2-1 and 3-2) heading into the third period, before scoring twice, to take a 4-3 lead with 10 minutes left — and managed to hold off the Soviet squad to secure the victory. Sportscaster Al Michaels, who was doing play-by-play on ABC, delivered the now-iconic call as the final seconds ticked away: 'Do you believe in miracles? Yes!' U.S. goalie Jim Craig jumps in the air after the win. (Focus) Jubilant U.S. hockey players after the win. (Focus) The win, coming at the height of the Cold War, captured the imagination of Americans and has been credited with transforming the sport of hockey in the United States, which went on to produce numerous star hockey players in the 1980s and '90s. The unlikely victory also inspired the 2004 Disney movie, Miracle. Advertisement It did not inspire more gold medals, however: The 'Miracle on Ice' team was the last to win Olympic gold in men's hockey for the U.S. — which makes what they accomplished all the more October, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 'Miracle on Ice' team members. 'What they did for our country at that moment, I'll never forget,' Rep. Pete Stauber, a Republican from Minnesota who introduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, told the Associated Press. 'It's one of the defining sports moments in my lifetime, and I am so proud that we can give this Congressional Medal to each member of that Olympic team, to say thank you for the memories we will never forget as a nation.' The U.S. coaches come out to join the team on the ice. (Focus) Advertisement Team USA players go wild in front of their fans. (Heinz Kluetmeier/) A view of the ice moments after the U.S. victory over the Soviet Union was sealed. (John G. Zimmerman/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) Another scene of jubilation on the ice. (Eric Schweikardt /) Team USA bunches together by the side of the rink. (Steve Powell /Getty Images) Advertisement Members of the U.S. and Soviet Union hockey teams shake hands after the game. (Steve Powell /Getty Images) The U.S. men's hockey team celebrates the win. (Focus) Teams in the Olympic hockey competition line up for the national anthems at the presentation ceremony for the winners of the gold (U.S.), silver (Soviet Union) and bronze (Sweden) medals. () See more of our photo features on Yahoo News.
Fox News
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump gives Team USA pep talk before 4 Nations final vs Canada
President Donald Trump revealed his phone call with the U.S. Hockey Team ahead of its high-stakes 4 Nations Face-Off Final vs. Canada on Thursday. Trump posted footage of the phone call to a video on X, revealing a motivational message delivered the way only Trump can. "You guys are really talented. I have great respect for hockey players. I'm a hockey fan. I love hockey," Trump began. Coaches and players were seen smiling, but kept stoic expressions, as the president spoke. "The talent, the skill that you have is crazy. And just go out and have a good time tonight and I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a skill group of people," Trump continued. "It's an honor to talk to you. And get out there, and there's no pressure whatsoever." The players let out a light chuckle after Trump's "no pressure" line. Finally, Trump departed with his closing message. "You just go out and have a good time. You're going to win, and we love America. We love you guys. We'll be watching tonight. Bring it home!" Trump concluded. The stakes for Thursday's game were raised amid physical hostility between the teams throughout the tournament and geopolitical tension between the two countries in recent weeks. It started on Feb. 13 when Canada fans in Montreal booed the U.S. national anthem. The tension stemmed from President Donald Trump's recent threats to issue tariffs on Canada while also suggesting the country should become America's 51st state. Then on Saturday, three fights broke out in the first nine seconds of a 4 Nations Face-Off game between the U.S. and Canada. At the opening puck drop, Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. and Canada's Brandon Hagel didn't wait to drop the gloves. Just two seconds later, Matthew's brother, Brady, went toe-to-toe with Sam Bennett. Then a scrap involving just about everyone broke out, and J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko got into a fight of their own. The U.S. went on to win that game, 3-1. The Canadian national anthem was then booed at TD Garden in Boston before a 4 Nations game between Canada and Finland. Canada went on to win that game to clinch a matchup against the U.S. in the championship game. The general manager for the U.S. men's team, Bill Guerin, appeared on "America's Newsroom" on Monday and was asked whether the brawl was ignited because of the booing, previous heat between players or the political strife between the U.S. and Canada. Guerin said he thought it was all of the above. "I think a little bit of everything. Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey," he said. "I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It's just the time that we're in. I think our guys used that as inspiration. If you let it get the better of you, then you're in trouble. But I really do think the players used it as inspiration." Guerin even pleaded for Trump to come to Boston to watch the game, but the president wasn't able to make it. However, Trump's phone call prompted messages of gratitude from multiple players, including J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson and Matt Boldy, on Thursday ahead of the game. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
