Remembering the First 'Miracle on Ice' for USA Hockey

The 1960 Olympic hockey team's upset victory over the Soviet Union was the first 'Miracle on Ice' for Team USA.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The 1960 Olympic hockey team's upset victory over the heavily-favored Soviet Union was the first 'Miracle on Ice' for Team USA, predating the more famous 1980 team's triumph. Both events took place on U.S. soil, with the 1960 games held in Squaw Valley, California and the 1980 games in Lake Placid, New York. The 1960 team, coached by Jack Riley Jr., pulled off an equally spectacular upset against the government-sponsored Soviet elite, much like the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' team coached by Herb Brooks.

Why it matters

The 1960 and 1980 'Miracle on Ice' victories by the U.S. Olympic hockey teams hold a special place in American sports history, representing underdog triumphs over dominant powers during times of heightened political tensions. These events captured the nation's imagination and became iconic moments of national pride.

The details

The 1960 team, made up of college and amateur players, upset Canada and then came from behind to defeat the heavily-favored Soviets. Similarly, the 1980 team, also a group of college and amateur players, defeated Canada and the USSR. Both teams played a disciplined, team-first style under coaches who advocated for the 'best team' rather than just the best individual players. Ironically, the 1980 coach Herb Brooks was the final cut from the 1960 team.

  • The 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley, California.
  • The 1980 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, New York.

The players

Jack Riley Jr.

Coached the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team, which pulled off an upset victory over the Soviet Union.

Herb Brooks

Coached the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, known as the 'Miracle on Ice' team, which also upset the heavily-favored Soviet Union.

Tom Williams

The only American-born player on the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team to have success in the NHL, playing 663 games.

Jack McCartan

The goalie for the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team, who was signed by the New York Rangers after the Olympics mainly as a publicity gimmick.

Bill and Roger Christian

Members of the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team who became successful manufacturers of Christian Brothers hockey sticks.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 1960 and 1980 'Miracle on Ice' victories by the U.S. Olympic hockey teams remain iconic moments in American sports history, representing underdog triumphs over dominant powers during times of heightened political tensions. These events captured the nation's imagination and became symbols of national pride, demonstrating the power of teamwork, discipline, and determination to overcome the odds.