1980 'Miracle on Ice' Team Honored as US Aims for Olympic Gold

Members of the iconic 1980 US Olympic hockey team reflect on their legacy 46 years later as the current US team heads to the Olympics as a favorite.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Members of the gold-medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, including Mike Eruzione, Buzz Schneider, and John Harrington, are still revered in their local communities for their historic upset victory over the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Now in their 60s and 70s, the players remain close and continue to be recognized for their legendary 'Miracle on Ice' achievement, which has been immortalized in books, films, and even a Congressional Gold Medal. As the US team heads to the 2026 Olympics as a favorite, the 1980 players know their legacy will continue to be celebrated, even by younger fans who know the story more from pop culture than firsthand experience.

Why it matters

The 1980 'Miracle on Ice' victory by the US Olympic hockey team over the heavily favored Soviet Union was a watershed moment that transcended sports and became a symbol of American pride and perseverance during the Cold War. Even 46 years later, the story continues to resonate, highlighting the enduring power of sports to unite a nation and inspire future generations.

The details

The members of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, now in their 60s and 70s, remain close and are frequently recognized in their local communities for their historic upset victory over the Soviet Union. They have received numerous accolades, including a Congressional Gold Medal, and their story has been immortalized in books, films, and documentaries. As the current US team heads to the 2026 Olympics as a favorite, the 1980 players know their legacy will continue to be celebrated, with younger fans learning about the 'Miracle on Ice' through pop culture references.

  • The 1980 US Olympic hockey team won gold 46 years ago in Lake Placid, New York.
  • The team recently received Congressional Gold Medals in December 2025.
  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will be the first time the US has been a favorite to win gold since 1980.

The players

Mike Eruzione

The captain of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union.

Buzz Schneider

A member of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, who is now the oldest of the surviving players.

John Harrington

A member of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, who reflects on how quickly the time has passed since their historic victory.

Rob McClanahan

A member of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, who is amazed by the continued reverence for their accomplishment.

Bill Baker

A member of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, who scored the tying goal against Sweden.

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What they’re saying

“What's amazing to me is we still carry this aura. It blows me away what continues to exist.”

— Rob McClanahan (Rutland Herald)

“Everybody dumps on everybody, just like you were back 45 years ago: Nothing's really changed, and everybody's pretty much the same guy.”

— Buzz Schneider (Rutland Herald)

“The movie resurrected Mike Eruzione's career as a speaker. The movie does a great service to what we did. I think it made Herb look a little softer than he was in reality, but the message is great.”

— Rob McClanahan (Rutland Herald)

“When Mike Eruzione came and had dinner with us last year, when he was speaking, the guys were so locked in on him. They're connected to it, just in a different way. But it's still something that means something to them.”

— Bill Guerin, US General Manager (Rutland Herald)

“As time has gone on, it's become even bigger. The putt that I made is a lot longer in memory than it was in reality.”

— Jack O'Callahan (Rutland Herald)

What’s next

The 1980 US Olympic hockey team members are expected to make more public appearances and be honored at events surrounding the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, as the current US team aims to recapture the magic of their historic 'Miracle on Ice' victory.

The takeaway

The enduring legacy of the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' US Olympic hockey team highlights the power of sports to unite a nation and inspire future generations, even decades later. Their story has transcended the sport and become a symbol of American pride and perseverance, a legacy that continues to resonate with fans old and new.