Eden Prairie Athletic Trainer Part of 1980 'Miracle on Ice'

Gary Smith was the athletic trainer for the U.S. men's hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:06pm

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Eden Prairie High School athletic trainer Gary Smith was the athletic trainer for the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team that pulled off the famous 'Miracle on Ice' upset victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Smith's connection to the 'Miracle' team came through his prior work with head coach Herb Brooks at the University of Minnesota.

Why it matters

Smith's involvement with the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' team opened many doors for him in his long career as an athletic trainer, including roles with professional sports teams like the Minnesota Kicks, Minnesota Moose, and Philadelphia Flyers. His experience with the 'Miracle' team also led to his induction into multiple halls of fame, making him a legendary figure in Minnesota sports history.

The details

Smith was the athletic trainer for the U.S. men's hockey team that pulled off the famous 'Miracle on Ice' upset victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Head coach Herb Brooks, who Smith had previously worked with at the University of Minnesota, personally selected Smith to be the team's athletic trainer, even though that was not the typical selection process. The U.S. team was made up of 21- and 22-year-old amateurs facing off against the Soviet Union's professional hockey team, which was heavily favored to win. After a 10-3 loss to the Soviets in a pre-Olympic exhibition game, Smith told Brooks they didn't have a chance, but Brooks remained confident. The U.S. team went on to defeat the Soviets 4-3 in the medal round and then won the gold medal game against Finland.

  • In February 1980, the Soviet Union defeated the United States 10-3 in a final tune-up to the Olympics.
  • The U.S. team's victory over the Soviet Union was the first game in the medal round.
  • The final game found the U.S. team trailing Finland 2-1 going into the third period, but they scored three third-period goals to win 4-2 and capture the gold medal.

The players

Gary Smith

The athletic trainer for the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team that won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics, known as the 'Miracle on Ice' team. Smith had previously worked with head coach Herb Brooks at the University of Minnesota.

Herb Brooks

The head coach of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team that won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics, known as the 'Miracle on Ice' team. Brooks personally selected Smith to be the team's athletic trainer.

Mike Eruzione

The U.S. player who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union in the 'Miracle on Ice' game.

Mike Ramsey

A U.S. defenseman who played in the 'Miracle on Ice' game against the Soviet Union.

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What they’re saying

“If we don't get that goal with (27) seconds left in the game to tie Sweden 2-2, none of it happens.”

— Gary Smith, Athletic Trainer

“Eruzione (Mike Eruzione) scored with 10 minutes left to take the lead in the third. The final 10 minutes lasted forever.”

— Gary Smith, Athletic Trainer

“If you lose this game, you'll take it to your effing grave.”

— Herb Brooks, Head Coach

What’s next

Smith continues to serve as the athletic trainer for the Eden Prairie High School sports teams, a role he has held for nearly 30 years.

The takeaway

Gary Smith's involvement with the legendary 1980 'Miracle on Ice' U.S. men's hockey team opened up many doors in his long career as an athletic trainer, leading to roles with professional sports teams and induction into multiple halls of fame. His decades-long tenure with the Eden Prairie High School sports programs has cemented his status as a beloved figure in the local community.