The Olympic stage is like no other, and ice hockey is one of the most intense events. From 1920 to 1952, teams from Canada dominated the men’s event, with an astonishing six gold medals. But when the Soviet Union began competing in 1956, it brought a new intensity to the sport and an entirely different dynamic. The Red Army’s reign ended in 1992 at Albertville, when the U.S.S.R. disbanded but players from the former Soviet Union competed as a “Unified Team.” They won gold, marking the end of an era.
Then in the semifinal game at Lake Placid, it looked as if the Americans’ dream of ending the Russians’ dynasty was about to come undone. The Soviets were leading 2-1 late in the third period. Then American winger Bill Christian, the smallest player on the U.S. team, took a pass from brother Bob and sent a slap shot into the net. It tied the score and energized the crowd in Blyth Arena.
The game went into a 10-minute sudden death overtime. It was the first time that the gold medal had ever been decided in such a fashion. Five players from each team would rush the goalie from center ice, shooting until one side led. After each shooter’s turn, the crowd roared as commentator Al Michaels asked, “Do you believe in miracles?” Yes, America believed in miracles, and they won. Their victory over the Soviets is now known as the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” It remains the most dramatic upset in the history of Olympic ice hockey.