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Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced 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.
One of the Congressional Gold Medals will be placed on display in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth. Joining Stauber in its introduction are Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-5), and Congressman Bill Keating (MA-9).
Stauber released the following statement: “The Miracle on Ice team unified our nation during a time of deep political tension. These young men fearlessly defeated the Soviet Union, which was at the time one of the greatest hockey teams to ever play. Their grit, determination, and pure patriotism inspired the world.
I am honored to introduce this legislation because 12 players on this team and their legendary coach were Minnesotans. Minnesotans played an integral role in defeating the Soviet Union, and thesemenshouldforeverberemembered as American hockey heroes.”
“It is an honor to represent Lake Placid where our 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team taught our nation how to believe in miracles when they defeated the dominant Soviet Union hockey team during the Cold War. Our North Country community is proud to be home of this historic and inspiring event and as we work to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Miracle on Ice,’ this legislation honors our Olympic victors for their legendary achievement,” said Stefanik.
“As a lifelong hockey fan, I remember watching the “Miracle on Ice” game and the wave of inspiration experienced across the country. With that win, our team and our nation showed the world that democracy will always prevail over tyranny – on and off the ice. These medals are yet another chance to show the world where we stand in the fight for freedom. Despite the immense pressure they faced, their determination was more powerful. Now, their historic win can be honored and celebrated for decades to come.” Said Congressman Mike Quigley.
“The 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team showed the world that hard work and determination can overcome even the greatest odds, and their triumph at Lake Placid inspired our nation,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “Their victory remains a timeless symbol of teamwork and unity in the face of adversity, and the Congressional Gold Medal will serve to both recognize their great achievement and inspire the next generation of hockey greats.”
“We applaud the introduction of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act and appreciate the work done by Representatives Stauber, Stefanik, Quigley and Keating,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team is most deserving of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. 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. 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, N.Y., 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.” Said NHLCommissionerGaryBettman.
On Feb. 22, 1980, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York. The United States team was comprised of amateur college athletes, while the Soviet Union’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. The United States had only one returning Olympic athlete.
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.
Stauber and Quigley are cochairs of the Hockey Caucus.
