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With the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Olympic Hockey teams winning the Gold Medal, there is a renewed interest in the 1980 Miracle on Ice. It is a great opportunity for a US History or Psychology class to compare events in 2026 with those in 1980.
We will use the DVD scenes to make connections. The history theme that seems to work best with this comparison is “Continuity and Change.”
Opening Credits (0:00 – 3:19): The opening credits highlight some of the serious domestic and international challenges facing America leading up to the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Not all students follow current events, but hopefully, there is enough collective class knowledge to discuss the events of today.
Some parallels:
- American Protests (Vietnam & Anti-ICE): with deaths at the hands of the National Guard at Kent State (4 dead, 9 wounded) and at the hands of ICE in Minnesota. (2 deaths)
- Presidential Controversy: (Resignation of President Nixon & President Trump Executive Orders, President Clinton)
- Space Exploration: Apollo 17 (Moon) & Space X Falcon 9 (Mars and the Moon)
- Inflation: (then and now)
- Video Games: Pong vs. XBox
- American Celebrations: (Bicentennial 1776 & 2026 United States Semiquincentennial, America 250)
- Energy Crisis: (Gas lines & America Venezuela, Iran Strait of Hormuz closure)
- Celebrity Tragedies: (Elvis Death / Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping / Lindsey Vonn Injury)
- Presidential Speeches: (Jimmy Carter “A Crisis of Confidence” Speech / President Trump State of The Union 2026)
- Iran – America Foreign Relations: (Hostage Crisis and Epic Fury)
A Lofty Goal (3:20 – 8:44):
- Colorado Springs, Colorado 1979 (3:20 – 6:17)
- St. Paul, Minnesota (6:18 – 8:44)
Sports Illustrated, Pete Rose. Selection Committee. Coaching Philosophy. Longer schedule. Adopt a new style, most of all team chemistry. All-star teams fail. They use a system designed to benefit the team. A lofty goal – “That’s why I want to pursue it.”
Old School Hockey Game: (Sports video games, family competition) “I got the job!” Start in two weeks – It’s June. (Olympics = February 9 months) Call Craig Patrick right now – everything takes 2nd fiddle.
Some parallels:
- Sports Coverage: Sports Illustrated, Pete Rose: (Publication 1980 = weekly, 2018 = biweekly, 2020 = monthly in 2020.)
- Gambling Scandals: Pete Rose 2026: NBA Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, NCAA Basketball 9 players across at least 17 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams (30 for 30 Playing for the Mob).
- Coaching Selection: For the 1980 process, there was an interview and a selection process. Herb Brooks was selected for the position. In 2026, it was an appointment of Mike Sullivan. “I am not their guy. The only reason they had me out there is 2 other coaches said no. I think they are still looking East Coast.” (introduction of the regional differences and divisions)
- Player Selection: There was an extensive selection for the 1980 team. Top collegiate players competed and were evaluates at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training facility. The 2026 team was selected from the NHL players.
- All-star Teams Fail: Not in 2026. The 2026 All-Star USA Olympic Hockey team won the gold medal.
- Lofty Goals: Time should never change the need for individuals and teams to set lofty goals. Lou Holtz was an individual who was a big proponent of have lofty WRITTEN goals. Check out what he accomplished from his bucket list.
- Sports Games: Table Top Hockey vs. NHL 26 EA Sports
- Communication: corded phones, face-to-face, letters vs. cell phones, social media, text messages, emails.
Making the Cut (8:45 – 17:49)
Colorado Springs, Colorado 1979
Seven Months Until Opening Ceremony
- Check-in (8:45 – 9:55)
- Locker room ((9:56 – 10:45)
- Tryout (10:45 – 11:54)
- Coach Evaluations (11:55 – 13:58)
- Announcing of the team & Coach Brooks setting the tone (13:59 – 16:10)
- Philosophical Differences (16:11 – 17:49)
Some parallels:
- Impact of Money: $30,000 signing bonus was enormous for a college player. The NHL players are being paid incredible amounts of money.
- Goalie Masks: Jason and Shamrock vs. Hellebuyck Olympic Mask “Freedom Ripper” designed by EyeCandyAir,
- Selecting a Coaching Staff: In each case very important. The staff needs to work together for a common goal.
- Top Goalie vs. Back-up: Perhaps the biggest decision in hockey… who is the top goalie. A big decision with any hockey team, especially the Olympic Team. “Ever see him [Jim Craig] when his game is on?”
- Coach-Player Relationships: “I will be your coach. I won’t be your friend.” The make up of the teams determines the relationships. Coaching professional players is certainly completely different than coaching young college players.
Each Player Was Chosen for a Specific Reason: There will neve be agreement on a roster, lines, and coaching strategies. This true with both teams.
More to Come SOON!