It has been 45 years since one of the most iconic moments in American sports history unfolded on the ice at Lake Placid during the 1980 Winter Olympics. The underdog U.S. men’s hockey team, composed mostly of college players, stunned the world by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union en route to winning Olympic gold. Now, as time continues to pass, the legacy of that “Miracle on Ice” remains frozen in history — and Congress is taking steps to ensure it’s never forgotten.This week, the players of that legendary team returned to the Herb Brooks Arena — the very rink where history was made — for an annual hockey camp, offering fans a unique opportunity to skate alongside their heroes. For Ken Morrow, who played defense on that fabled squad, every return to Lake Placid feels like a homecoming. “I don’t know how many times I’ve been here over the last 45 years, but I certainly look forward to coming back. Brings back so many great memories,” Morrow said.His teammate, former right wing John Harrington, shared a similar sentiment.”It’s always like it’s a time warp when you’re going back,” Harrington said. “Things look the same. You start remembering things from back in 1980 — it’s just a thrill.”Their reunion comes as lawmakers move forward with the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, a bipartisan bill that would award the team one of the highest civilian honors in the United States: the Congressional Gold Medal.Harrington expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the historic weight of the honor. “You see the people that this honor has been bestowed upon, and you’re going, ‘Wow.’ To think that this many people felt our team is deserving of that — it’s going to be really exciting,” he said.Morrow echoed that pride, reflecting on the broader impact the team had on the nation. “To have this come along is just a tremendous honor, especially when it’s something that represents your country. That’s the one thing about our team — we were America’s team,” said Morrow.The legislation is being co-led by Northern New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. In a statement, she said she is proud to lead this bipartisan effort, ensuring that the team’s extraordinary achievement is properly recognized. She also emphasized the importance of preserving the team’s legacy for future generations.The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and now awaits a vote in the Senate.
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. —
It has been 45 years since one of the most iconic moments in American sports history unfolded on the ice at Lake Placid during the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The underdog U.S. men’s hockey team, composed mostly of college players, stunned the world by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union en route to winning Olympic gold. Now, as time continues to pass, the legacy of that “Miracle on Ice” remains frozen in history — and Congress is taking steps to ensure it’s never forgotten.
This week, the players of that legendary team returned to the Herb Brooks Arena — the very rink where history was made — for an annual hockey camp, offering fans a unique opportunity to skate alongside their heroes.
For Ken Morrow, who played defense on that fabled squad, every return to Lake Placid feels like a homecoming.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve been here over the last 45 years, but I certainly look forward to coming back. Brings back so many great memories,” Morrow said.
His teammate, former right wing John Harrington, shared a similar sentiment.
“It’s always like it’s a time warp when you’re going back,” Harrington said. “Things look the same. You start remembering things from back in 1980 — it’s just a thrill.”
Their reunion comes as lawmakers move forward with the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, a bipartisan bill that would award the team one of the highest civilian honors in the United States: the Congressional Gold Medal.
Harrington expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the historic weight of the honor.
“You see the people that this honor has been bestowed upon, and you’re going, ‘Wow.’ To think that this many people felt our team is deserving of that — it’s going to be really exciting,” he said.
Morrow echoed that pride, reflecting on the broader impact the team had on the nation.
“To have this come along is just a tremendous honor, especially when it’s something that represents your country. That’s the one thing about our team — we were America’s team,” said Morrow.
The legislation is being co-led by Northern New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. In a statement, she said she is proud to lead this bipartisan effort, ensuring that the team’s extraordinary achievement is properly recognized. She also emphasized the importance of preserving the team’s legacy for future generations.
The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and now awaits a vote in the Senate.