White House hosts Miracle on Ice heroes as Trump signs bill honoring legendary 1980 Olympic hockey win
WASHINGTON — Do you still believe in miracles?The historic USA hockey team that toppled the mighty Soviet Union at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics got yet another honor Friday, as members of the legendary squad met with President Trump in the White House to commemorate the unforgettable win.Trump was surrounded by cowboy-hat-wearing players from the “Miracle on Ice” squad — a scrappy group of amateurs who pulled off a victory many believed was impossible — after signing legislation Wednesday honoring their achievement.“The whole world expected the Soviets to win — unless the ice melted,” Trump said, recounting the overwhelming odds facing the US’ 1980 hockey team against the Soviets who hadn’t lost an Olympic game since 1968 and was coming off four straight gold medal wins.Just weeks before the Olympics, the USSR had crushed the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition.“It was not pretty,” Trump said.
“People weren’t even looking forward to this game.”Then came Feb.22, 1980.Despite the odds, the Americans surged through the tournament and earned a rematch against the Soviets.
They trailed three times before pulling ahead late in the third period, hanging on for what has since been called the longest, scariest 10 minutes in sports history.“That team united us,” Trump said.“They inspired us.
Nobody thought it was possible.But it showed that anything is possible.”Goaltender Jim Craig, who stood on his head during a second-period Soviet barrage, and captain Mike Eruzione — who scored the go-ahead goal to make it 4-3 — were among those honored.Wearing a grin, Eruzione said wearing a “USA jersey” and “playing for your country” alone was a high honor, thanking Trump for the Friday recognition.“What an honor it was for us to put that jersey on and accomplish what we accomplished,” he said.
I’ve always said the gold medal is something that’s incredible, but this is the frosting on the cake to receive an honor like this.”Du...