“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”
— Broadcaster Al Michaels
As the United States faced difficult domestic and foreign issues, Herb Brooks’ team continued its dominance against the Eastern Bloc nations with a huge victory against Romania. Eric Strobel scored the second goal to push the United States toward another impressive win. The Netflix Miracle “Boys of Winter” documentary presents players like Strobel marveling at the Americans’ winning ways, keeping the spotlight on their Olympic success. This documentary used outside interviews, recollections of parents, and classic rock to highlight this special path toward overall victory.
Strobel starred at Rochester’s Mayo High School and earned all-conference accolades for several years before attending the University of Minnesota. In 1979, this forward scored thirty goals, helped Brooks win a National Championship, and later played for Team USA at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Moscow. Strobel’s father played for the New York Rangers, and while he was still in college, he was drafted 133rd by the Buffalo Sabres. A key member of the 1980 Olympic team, he later broke his ankle as a professional, forcing him to retire.
A member not shown in this biography was Mark Wells, who died two years ago at sixty-seven years old in 2024. Captain Mike Eruzione described the greatness of this Detroit, Michigan, player who scored one of his three Olympic goals in a 7-2 victory against Romania. He was a star player at Bowling Green, where Wells was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1977. Wells was a late addition by Brooks and, through his sheer speed as a skater, helped the team win a gold medal. He later became a journeyman minor league player and retired early with a back injury. Wells later suffered from a rare spinal cord disease that left him almost paralyzed. He was forced to sell his gold medal to keep his house and pay for vital surgery.
Drafted in 1978 by the Minnesota North Stars, one of Brooks’ finest players, Steve Christoff, remained at the University of Minnesota to help the team win a National Championship. This forward later became associated with the Hobey Baker Award, given to NCAA hockey players who demonstrate unique character and outstanding skill. This later airline pilot was an offensive threat, scoring eight goals as a rookie in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Christoff competed in 248 NHL games, scoring 77 goals and 141 points for the North Stars, Los Angeles Kings, and Calgary Flames.
One of the youngest players to help Brooks win a National Championship and a gold medal was Neil Broten. Brooks gave him a rare compliment, calling him “the best freshman ever to play for the Gophers.” Broten was one of the most successful players from this team, winning a gold medal, earning the Hobey Baker Trophy, and capturing a Stanley Cup. Broten scored 98 points in his rookie year and later 105 in 1986-1987. He played for the Minnesota North Stars, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Los Angeles Kings. In 1999, he left retirement to play for Team USA in the World Championships. Competitive hockey was a family affair, as both of his brothers, Aaron and Paul, played in the National Hockey League.
Coming from behind in almost every game of this Olympiad, America later defeated West Germany 4-2. The United States fell behind 2-0 in the first period but quickly scored four goals to advance to the medal round to face the Soviet Union. Phil Verchota’s goal helped push the United States past West Germany. Verchota was a talented tight end and linebacker, tossed the discus, and played for Brooks at Minnesota. He was twice the top student-athlete on his college team, helped win two National Championships in 1976 and 1979, and was the “torch bearer” at Lake Placid. He later played in Finland for a year, returned to college to complete a finance degree, and later attempted to help the 1984 Olympic squad. Even years later, Verchota vividly recalled the tactics and stress applied by Brooks.
On February 22, 1980, as he prepared to call the game, Michaels told his broadcast partner and former professional player Ken Dryden that the United States would be fortunate to stay within a couple of goals of the Soviets. Dryden believed there were “too many differences” working against the Americans. Mark “Magic” Johnson viewed the American chance of winning as almost impossible. Netflix presented Brooks’ children reading his notes, which highlighted his belief that the Soviets were ripe for an upset.
This game was scheduled in the afternoon, and with most Americans working, many did not learn the result until that night. Eruzione described the Cold War tensions, recalling a telegraph sent to the team that read, “Beat those Commie Bastards.” Both the players and Brooks’ children spoke of the index card containing the iconic speech: “You were born to be a player…. You were meant to be here…. This moment is yours!”
All the sacrifices these players made were on display against the ferocity of the Soviet Union. Unlike the huge arenas around the nation, Lake Placid was a small venue with no empty seats. People stood in every available space, and chants of “USA” erupted even louder when the players reached the ice. Years later, Michaels smiled as he watched himself call the start of this memorable game.
Armed with his glare and presence, Brooks was intensely involved in every second. The Soviets scored first after a slash on Buzz Schneider. Years later, Schneider smiled watching his slap shot score against the Soviets. Even after the United States fell behind 2-1, Rob McClanahan stated that the “Red Menace” had “zero respect for the United States.” In the final moments of the period, Dave Christian sent the puck toward the Soviet net, and Johnson raced through defenders to score before time expired. Soviet Coach Victor Tikhonov argued against the validity of the goal.
Patriotic chants filled the stadium. Strobel understood “that we can skate and beat these guys.” The Soviets surprisingly pulled Vladislav Tretiak, considered the best goalie in the world. Jim Craig described the task of containing the Soviet offensive prowess. Johnson believed they needed a quick goal to tie the game, and when the puck came off Dave Silk’s stick, he was in position to even the score. Craig was at his best, and the Americans matched the intensity of a surprised Soviet team.
With flags waving, Captain Eruzione entered at a pivotal moment and scored the go-ahead goal. He ran across the ice with teammates chasing him. Brooks had trained them for this moment. Eruzione was jubilant, Brooks smiled broadly, and the Americans prepared to hold off the Soviets.
Jack O’Callahan reminded teammates that the Soviets were dangerous. Craig continued his dominance, and Brooks urged them to “play their game.” As the game slipped away, Tikhonov did not pull his goalie.
Fittingly, Netflix provided Michaels’ victory call. Johnson said you “almost had to pinch yourself that you beat the Russians.” The documentary shows the energetic response of Americans nationwide. In New York City, a firehouse across from the Soviet Embassy hung a victorious sign. Eruzione emotionally watched footage of his family celebrating in 1980.
Brooks still focused on winning gold, leading the Americans against Finland. He delivered a different speech before that game, using profanity to stress urgency. After trailing 2-1 at the end of the second period, O’Callahan insisted there was “no way they were losing this game.”
The Americans surged in the third period, defeating Finland 4-2. Players threw sticks into the stands. Craig searched for his father. Fans climbed the glass boards. Vice President Walter Mondale handed Eruzione a phone call from President Jimmy Carter congratulating the team.
It has been an honor to write about this display of patriotism during a harsh time in America’s history. Watching this documentary more than once reveals new dimensions of this extraordinary victory. Thank you to the members of this team for achieving one of the greatest moments in sports and American history.