Stauber Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medals to the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic Hockey Team Passes the House
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, which will 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 Winter Olympics.
“Coach Herb Brooks and his team of young hockey players defied all odds, proving that miracles are possible when we need them most,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “At a time when our nation was in desperate need of hope, they united us in belief and patriotism. Minnesotans played a vital role in this unforgettable victory, so it fills me with immense pride to have helped pushed this legislation through the House. Today, we are one step closer to honoring these American hockey heroes, and I am truly grateful to my colleagues who joined me in supporting this bill.
“On behalf of the National Hockey League and as a member of the Board of Directors for USA Hockey, I want to thank the members of the House of Representatives for passing the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act,” said Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner and USA Hockey Board Member. “The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team’s victory over the Soviet Union remains one of the most extraordinary and inspiring moments in the history of sports. The ‘Miracle on Ice’ was not only a triumph of athletic excellence, but also a defining moment that lifted the spirits of an entire nation and inspired generations of hockey players and fans.”
Daly continued, stating, “This honor is particularly meaningful for both the NHL and USA Hockey, as the 1980 team’s legacy has been instrumental in growing the game in the United States. We are proud to see their historic achievement recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal—one of our country’s highest honors. The legacy of that team lives on in the hearts of hockey fans across the world, and we look forward to seeing the bill passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President.”
“It’s an exciting day,” said Pat Kelleher, Executive Director of USA Hockey. “We’re thankful to the members of the House, particularly Representatives Stauber and Quigley, who championed the legislation. The Congressional Gold Medal is a very fitting and well-deserved honor for our 1980 Olympic Team, and we look forward to the Senate passing its version of the bill in the very near future.”
Once signed into law, the three Congressional Gold Medals will be given to three different locations: the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN; the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, NY; and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, CO.
BACKGROUND:
On February 22, 1980, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York. This game is now known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The United States team was comprised of amateur college athletes while the Soviet’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.
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.