February 22nd marks a memorable moment in U S history that you can view. On February 22nd, 1980 the USA hockey team defeated the Soviet Union team in the Winter Olympics. The US team was mostly made up of amateurs; young college players ( two Badgers) and a few players who had low minor league experience. The Soviets were professional, full time players who I think had won 4 of the last 5 Olympics. They dominated the sport and were predicted to be easy winners again by all accounts. The US team was a huge underdog.
However, the US beat/upset the Soviets in Lake Placid NY. The match was televised. Of course a Badger* scored two of the US goals. With ten minutes left in the last period the young USA team led 4-3. Papa watched that game and I can attest that those were ten of the longest minutes ever, which is what the team and all fans said. The big bad Russians/Soviets were all in during those final ten minutes. It was furious. At the finish the game was described as a miracle by the announcer. (Do you believe in miracles?) Inspirational doesn’t fully justify the emotions of that day. Besides the thrill of victory in sport, remember we were still locked in a cold war with the Soviets. For me it was another nail in the coffin of Sputnik. (Sadly, what goes around comes around with today’s new Russian wanna be Poo Bah.) That game was well documented and had a TV movie made. In 2004 the movie “Miracle” was released. Watch it. It’s good and you will get a sense of the drama of that match.
Before the US existed another event happened on a historic February 22nd. George Washington, our first President, was born. More consequential of course but you can actually watch the hockey match/documentary/movies. Papa loves sports but that Olympic win was a WOW moment.
(* Later to coach Badger Women’s team to six National Championships. And, counting.)