Miracle on Ice: The Boys of ‘80 (Netflix)

[UConnTrumbull]

I am a sucker for any Miracle on Ice content and I’m not even much of a hockey fan. New documentary just came out with most of the 1980 team. It’s great and details the entire tournament not just the game versus the Soviets. Yesterday I rewatched the ESPN 30 for 30 “Of Miracles and Men” which shows the Soviet perspective on the event. Strangely both perspectives are pretty similar. Soviets admitted that they were cocky, did not respect the American team, had a bit too much fun the night before the game, etc.

There was a little about the geopolitical background but not as much as you would think.

I wasn’t born yet so I really will never understand how big that game was as a cultural event. Some times history dramatizes these events so I’m wondering - anyone remember 1980 and what it meant to the country? Was it as big as they say or was it more of a nice little distraction?

 

[JeannoCT]

First of all, I'm depressed that you were even born yet! I was a senior in college; it was a HUGE event. We ran to breakfast and ran back to our rooms to watch the game. Now, I graduated from a Catholic Women's College, and we were so into it, even the non-hockey fans. I was probably the only hockey fan in our group! The Soviet Union was heavily favored, and as I remember, most of the players were "pros." Our team consisted of amateurs/college kids. It truly was a "miracle on ice"; we went on to defeat Finland for the gold. We still talk about it. It indeed was a special time.

 

[Bomber36]

It was huge. I was at UConn at the time and we partied hard.

This was a great documentary. Loved the player interviews and the way they really opened up about the memories. Also, a nice look at Herb Brooks and what drove him. Highly recommend.

 

[Deepster]

Wow. What a great documentary. I loved seeing their current reactions to clips they hadn’t seen in a while. Jim Craig looking for his Dad in the stands killed me. And the leadership and motivation of Herb Brooks.

I was 13 when it happened and I just remember my Dad being excited and hearing cars beeping their horns outside.