As most of you know by now, my sports passion when I'm not buried in football matters is ice hockey.
So it was a pleasant surprise that ABC aired "Miracle," the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, last night. Took the wife and kids to see it in the theatre when it first came out, but it was every bit as good last night. Maybe even better. 
It might be the best sports movie ever made. It's certainly the best sports story I can remember, especially given the fact the U.S. won with an amateur team and beat a Soviet team that had pummeled every team in its path.
Kurt Russell did a fantastic job playing Herb Brooks (yes, Hookslide, Russell does look like LSU coach Les Miles, and we will do a future look-a-like). And the acting by the players was top shelf. Still get chills thinking about that moment on Feb. 22, 1980. Watched the game while visiting my younger brother Mickey at Cortland State University. Twenty eight years later, the memories and emotions are still fresh.
For those of you who are too young to remember, the game held even greater importance because of the fact that this country was in the dumper after a series of unfortunate events, including the taking of American hostages in Iran, rampant inflation and a national malaise that had depressed Americans' spirit.
Remember where you were when Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal in the miracle on ice? Start 'er off, B N G.
Comments (15)
I know you didn't watch the game, you watched a tape of the game. Not everyone remembers the game was played at 5pm and not shown until prime time.
I was 8, but I remember being really into that game. I was a Rangers fan and my brother was an Islanders fan and I dont remember Jim McKay ruining it thank God. All I remember was going into the kitchen when we were up 4-3 and thinking, we may actually win this game.
Then I sorta remember jumping up and down and my parents calling us from dinner.
It was an awesome moment.
What is your favorite hockey team now?
move on already.
It was different back then:
The media would actually let a network get away with a delayed broadcast without ruining it for everyone.
Sportswriters wouldn't divulge that athletes had girlfriends, or drug problems or gambling problems....(actually, THAT part hasn't changed much, but I wanted to stick it in there anyway)
Hockey seemed a lot more important back then.
Remember when Team Canada played the Russians?...The entire country of Canada STOPPED to watch that series. The hockey-viewing Americans also paid attention and THAT was why the 1980 upset was so huge...we KNEW the Russian team...we KNEW they would not be beat.
I was watching with 6 or 7 roommates. I had a connection and found out the result early, but didn't say a thing so I wouldn't spoil it.
Kurt Russell was great as Herb Brooks...best role for him since Snake Plissken in "Escape from New York"
I watched in the Pi Kappa Alpha TV room, being royally ticked off at ABC for showing it on tape delay. I tried not to hear the score during my shift at the dining hall, but then just as I was getting ready to leave some girl ran in and jumped into the arms of her boyfriend shouting, "We won, won won!"
Bob:
As a story line their are few better in sports than the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team. But to consider this movie "...as the best sports movie ever made" is over-reaching. Here is why, as a fan of ice hockey I am sure you are fully aware that an Olympic rink is considerably wider than an NHL configuration. It is for this reason that many consider Olympic hockey to more wide open.
The hockey scenes in "Miracle" were filmed in arenas that did not accurately portray the size of an Olympic rink. This only detracted from the realistic element of the film.
If you desire realistic hockey on film, I would recommend "Slap Shot".
But the good news is that I have added to your page views. Hope that helps.
SEF
are you saying that this was not a great sports movie because it was filmed on NHL-sized and not Olympic ice surfaces...?
wow...pretty picky, no?
I bet it really must have cheesed you off that James Caan and Billy Dee Williams played NFL running backs in Brian's Song when both of them weighed a hundred fifty.
SEF:
Thanks for the page view.
I suppose it's a valid point about the dimensions of the rink, although I hadn't thought of it. I'm a hockey nut, but it didn't occur to me.
I do think, however, that the action scenes were breathtakingly realistic, especially when compared to other hockey movies - or even hockey highlight shows. Hockey is one of the hardest things to capture on film, but they did a sensational job in "Miracle."
I do think it was one of the best sports movies ever made. Not saying the best, but certainly up there. I absolutely, positively LOVED Slapshot, although obviously for different reasons. I've probably seen that movie 7 times, and could easily see it another 7.
Saw the movie last night as well.... DVR'd it even though I have it on DVD. (Couldn't help myself).
The best part of that movie is the way Herb Brooks coached. He really knew how to get the most out of his players. It's a shame that he fell asleep at the wheel and died so tragically 8/11/2003) never having been able to see the movie which was released shortly thereafter. (2004)
I've had the chance to meet and talk with Craig Patrick. The Craig Patrick I know was very even keeled. It's hard to imagine that he would have ignored Brooksie's out stretch hand and given him a hug.
We were fortunate in Pittsburgh to have both of those men in the Penguins organization. I just can't imagine how wonderful it would have been to have been part of that experience.
Most of those on the team never had great success in the NHL, but one was a member of the Islanders dynasty. Who would that be? :-)
Original footage/broadcast:
Must watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fztlLwgSFCg&feature=related
Bob (and to all others of interest on this blog):
With respect to those posting comments on my earlier remarks, I do consider "Miracle" to be an excellent sports movie. No doubt one of the best. The manner in which the story was portrayed and the realism of the relationships that were built make the film more than compelling. In fact, when compared to the earlier made-for-TV film that starred Karl Malden and Steve Guttenberg this picture was Oscar worthy.
Additionally, I enjoyed the film with my son (age 12 at the time) while it was in the theater. The life lessons that a young person can learn from those who put team work ahead of individual accomplishment are clearly evident in this work.
It no doubt difficult to compare sports films. But my vote would probably go to "Field of Dreams" follow by "Bull Durham". Just for kicks I'll give the bronze to "Tin Cup".
Maybe Kevin Costner can star in the next remake of the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team.
Thanks for the remarks. I greatly enjoy your blog and the occassional TV appearance. Plus, its hard to argue against a columnist that picked the Giants to win the Super Bowl.
SEF
SEF:
No worries at any level. We're all entitled to our opinions. And if there's a little criticism involved, so be it. (Welcome to my world, buddy).
I only wish it were true that I predicted the Giants would win the Super Bowl. I predicted the upsets in the first three rounds of the playoffs, but chickened out in the Super Bowl. At least I felt it was gonna be a close game.
Cheers.
Defenseman Ken Morrow
kd bart:
Yes, it was Ken Morrow. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I covered Morrow's first game with the Islanders after the Olympics. One of the nicest guys in a locker room filled with good people and phenomenal hockey players.
Greetings Bob!
Great double feature on HBO last night! The documentary on the Miracle on Ice team, followed by Slapshot!
Anyway, as a high school/college club/current beer league goaltender, I am amazed at how bad the 1980 goaltenders looked.
Obviously, all hockey highlights show only the goals being scored. But the 1980 goalies lack of lateral movement (or any puck-stopping movement with their skates) is shocking. And that includes Jim Craig!