“It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and political fabric of America.”—President Jimmy Carter, July 15, 1979
These were the challenging words used by President Carter to address the serious problems that deeply hurt the nation during the 1970s. After losing its first war, Americans watched U.S. military forces withdraw from a decade of fighting and losses in South Vietnam, where the nation later witnessed its defeat by the communists in 1975. For years, citizens waited in long fuel lines, paid high gas and oil prices, and endured drastic shortages of this vital resource. As in recent years, the American consumer in the 1970s was battered by inflation that reached as high as 14 percent.
Around the world, other countries began to view the United States as no longer a superpower—neither respected nor feared by its enemies. In late 1979, within weeks of each other, the Iranian government captured American embassy workers, and the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Although Carter condemned these actions, both Iran and the Soviet Union refused to relent under diplomatic pressure.
Meanwhile, America fell behind the economic rise of Germany and Japan, particularly in technology and the production of fuel-efficient automobiles. It was a painful period, with many Americans wondering whether better days lay ahead.
Over the past week, Netflix released a new documentary on the 1980 American Olympic hockey victory over the dominant Soviet Union. Directed by Max Gershberg and Jake Rogal, the film brings this historic sports moment to life. The documentary highlights the small town of Lake Placid, host of the 1980 Olympics, set in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. Miracle: The Boys of ’80 chronicles the creation of the team, its makeup, coaching, and hard-fought success.
The late Herb Brooks, then head coach at the University of Minnesota, was selected to lead the Olympic team, though he was not the first choice. Driven and intense, Brooks sought to blend an American style of play with the disciplined strengths of the Soviet system. Widely regarded as one of the greatest college hockey coaches, Brooks’ intensity was recalled vividly by his children and former players.
Brooks was determined to reverse the team’s poor international performances and make the Americans competitive against the Soviets. These games were personal for him, as he had been the final player cut from the 1960 Olympic team. He later recalled the heartache of watching that team win gold, remembering his father telling him that the coach had “cut the right guy.” Though Brooks never won gold as a player, he became consumed with building the strongest possible team for Lake Placid.
Early in training, Brooks confronted deep regional rivalries between Midwestern and New England players who were not yet unified. Previous U.S. men’s hockey teams had fared poorly internationally, and many expected the same result. These players, largely from working-class families, hoped to represent America on the world stage.
The documentary captures these backgrounds through the memories of team captain Mike Eruzione, who described his large family, its values, and the psychological pressure Brooks placed on the team. Even as captain, Eruzione was told he would be cut before later being reinstated. Players recalled constant evaluations and the fear of being among those cut before the final roster of twenty.
Defenseman Ken Morrow, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound player from Flint, Michigan, reflected on how his father fostered his love of hockey, even building a backyard rink. Morrow later became a longtime auto worker before passing away from cancer. The documentary shows both the athletes’ drive and the family pressures they faced. After winning Olympic gold, Morrow went on to help the Islanders capture the Stanley Cup the same year and later served as a Hall of Fame player, assistant coach, and director of scouting.
Perhaps the most important player was goaltender Jim Craig of Boston University. Before the Olympics, Craig endured the loss of his mother to cancer and the financial struggles that followed for his family. His emotional interviews reveal the strain of balancing grief, responsibility, and Olympic preparation during a pivotal time in his young life.
A strong sense of nationalism emerges as the team pursued greatness amid widespread skepticism. Many believed the Americans had no chance, nearly proven true in their opening game against Sweden. Forward Mark “Magic” Johnson recalled fearing the team might implode early. Brooks, furious after a lifeless first period, demanded more.
During that game, forward Rob McClanahan suffered a serious injury and felt Brooks’ wrath, questioning his toughness despite their recent national championship success together at Minnesota. McClanahan admitted he nearly punched Brooks, while Brooks later said the team needed a “jolt.” Even decades later, the tension remains visible as players recall moments when Brooks pushed too far.
Next week’s installment will continue the story of the Boys of Winter and their unforgettable Olympic journey.