I'll never forget my dad's response. The game wasn't televised on the West Coast until three hours after it started, so he was listening to it on the radio while he was driving home on the freeway about 5 pm or so. He said the traffic was going about 25 miles an hour so probably almost everyone was listening to the radio broadcast. When the game ended people started honking their horns, and then pulling off on the side of the freeway. He said people were getting out of their cars and jumping around and hugging each other, so he joined in too. Just a great moment.
That win was the flashpoint of the greatest decade in our country's history. These days, our country is shrouded in darkness and misery. I'd give anything to go back to that time.
@@gregj831 I guess if you consider the AIDS epidemic, the biggest gap between rich and poor in our country's history occurring, the Iran-Contra Scandal (crimes just as bad as Watergate, and too many of them to enumerate here), the influx of crack cocaine and heroin (much of it brought in from Southeast Asia poppy fields after the Vietnam War) that decimated the inner cities, the introduction of "trickle-down" economics which shriveled up the tax base and led to the cancellation of school lunch and after-school programs, a massively bloated military budget that also contributed to the elimination of programs to benefit the poor and children, the Savings & Loan debacle that sucked up billions of those diminishing taxpayer dollars to bail out irresponsible fat cats, the "greed is good" ethos that was openly espoused on Wall Street, the environmental degradation that was embodied by Three Mile Island, the transfer of our national economy from a a producer to a service level economy, the astronomically ballooning national debt, the rise of right-wing "shock jocks" on AM radio, the NRA becoming politicized, the rise of the "religious right" which was always more about politics than gentle Christianity, the beginning of the wasting of trillions of dollars on "Star Wars" -- the idiotic idea that we could develop a "space shield" from Soviet missiles, Reagan's ignoring of the atrocities of Saddam Hussein and instead sending Donald Rumsfeld to SA to give Saddam the formulas for chemical weapons, 138 Reagan officials being indicted for crimes committed while in office (most of them pardoned by Reagan and his successor GHW Bush -- sound familiar?), the appointment of the woefully inept James Watt as head of the EPA (to be replaced by the corrupt Anne Gorsuch who was just as bad) -- if you consider all of this to be representative of the "greatest decade" in our nation's history, I sure would be scared to see what you consider a bad decade!
@@24HeySay Name a time when America was actually perfect? And yet that decade was still, far and away better than today. People were way more happy and I'll bank that one over any of your BS anytime. Unlike today, that decade was characterized by exceptionalism and hard work. Your Progressive Fascist ideology is driven and fueled by hatred, immorality, apathy, self-victimhood and largesse. It is YOU who represents the 'one percenter Fascist Elites'. These are the same f*cks who push racial hatred/divide and who try to sexually indoctrinate innocent children. It is your Fascism which has left our border wide open for tons of illegal deadly fentanyl and heroin to pour into our country and kill our youth. You don't give a f*ck! It is YOU and your Fascism which has further racially victimized Blacks ensuring the continued decline of their family structure. It YOU and your Fascism which has introduced George Soros funded DA's who turn their back on enforcing the law thus resulting in even more death and crime among blacks. It is Progressive Fascists like you who can afford $7.00/gallon, inflation and the social consequences of your Cult's horrifically irresponsible thinking. It is YOU and your malignant hate and narcissism which has resurrected the evils of Marxism/Fascism.
@@24HeySay It must nice living in that Manhattan Skyrise far away from the consequences of your BS. Which self-hating adjunct Prof has been feeding your hate?
Imagine being a college aged young adult, representing your country, against one of the greatest teams ever assembled. What they did was truly a miracle
Tregre777 Holy SHIT!! Dude---you are fucking WHACKED!! Get your shrink to give you some max-strength psych meds cause' you sure as fuck need em' ROTFLMAO!!
Actually outside of an exibition game against Romania where they won 10-2 this U.S team trailed and had to have a comeback for every win and tie they got for that olympics
Josh Martins And the US team had just had their asses handed to them by the Soviets in exhibition just days before the Olympics started 10 - 3. Thank God the US didn't win the exhibition then lose 10 - 3 in Lake Placid.
The USSR game was on a Friday afternoon. I was on a bus from Dallas to Galveston on a fraternity pledge class retreat that day. We were aware that the US team was playing the Soviets that day but we all knew the USA team had zero chance of winning. So we weren’t focused on the game. We stopped in Huntsville, Texas at a McDonalds just off I-45 to get burgers around 6 or 7pm, and while we were in the restaurant someone with a radio shouted “we just beat the Russians!” The entire restaurant exploded in joy, people went completely apeshit, a bunch of small town Texans, most of whom I am sure had never in their lives seen a hockey puck, spontaneously jumping up and down and singing God Bless America at the top of their lungs. I will never forget that moment of shared exhilaration as long as I live.
Amen. At its heart this game wasn’t about hockey; it was about the US sending a message to the USSR in the Cold War that we were a force to be reckoned with.
I was 12, living just outside of Philly. Everybody was home watching. The second Al Michaels asked if we believed in miracles houses emptied, people shouting and crying in joy. People got in their cars and formed impromptu parades for hours. It was the first time in a long time that Americans had something positive happen.
@@johnsondangles1033 Because History is important and if you dont realize this you sir are the most ignorant of all while this may not seem important to you for American sports fans this shows them we can be on top and will be on top with strength and relentless courage. For thouse young men they thought they were beat the first time they saw the USSR's team but they showed themselves and the world differntly while it may seem stupid to you nationalism shaped America and all the other countries in the world. It just so happens that even if us American arnt in the best shaped or our country has its issues most of us keep are heads high look towards greats feats or american victory to show us a way. My short rant sorry for any errors in my paragraph or any mispelling im not the best at proper writing.
"One game. If we played them 10 times, they might win 9. But not this game. Not...tonight" One of THE most motivational quotes I have ever heard in a movie. Simple--but 1000% matter of factly confident.
It would be what Tom coughlin speech would be before Super Bowl 42 when the underdogs New York giants faced the run away favourites and undefeated New England patriots
I was 10 years old. Knew nothing of this speech, of course, but had watched the torch go past my house that year. Directly in front of my home on its way to lake placid. That win that night remains unforgettable. Indelible. My God. USA. If we could only have that pride again. I’d give my right arm to heal this country today.
"And we shut them down, because we can!" Still sends shivers down my spine. I'd be pretty pumped up too for a championship game if my coach ever gave this speech pre-game.
@@jackspelder1688 you’re right. It’s something often forgot. This wasn’t the Gold Medal game. It was the play-in game. Goes to show just how big this game was! Even if they lost the Gold and got Silver, it wouldn’t have mattered. We beat the Soviets! Ahhh, how I wish I was alive to be able to experience it. But, alas, I was about -9 at the time.
And Kurt wasn't even nominated which, along with Val Killmer's Tombstone snub(coincidentally another great movie Kurt Russel was in), is one of the greatest crimes against humanity.
Russel deserved an Oscar just for being able to give this speech in those pants! LOL. Best sports memory of my lifetime, and second place is so far away, I do not even know what it is.
Some may say it was only a hockey game, but if you were alive in 1980, and knew what was happening in this country, it really cannot be overstated how important that victory was to the American psyche. Truly remarkable.
In my opinion, the single greatest achievement in sport's history. I agree Charlie Z with your brief comments! I was a senior in college, watching the game on TV. When the final horn sounded tears were flowing down my cheeks. The only time I can remember crying after any sports event - win or lose.
@@ethansongoku7576 The country was in a serious malaise coming out of Vietnam, the gas crisis, the hostages in Iran, and the Cold War. Jimmy Carter, during a nationwide televised speech, said Americans believed things would be worse for their kids than for them (I'm paraphrasing). The 1980 Olympic hockey team wasn't expected to get to the medal round, let alone win Gold. The Soviet Union had beaten them 10 - 2 in an exhibition match just a couple of weeks before the Olympics. They had won Gold at every Olympics since '64 (I think). It truly was a miracle that a bunch of college kids beat the best team in the world. Along with Ronald Reagan being elected President and the hostages being released, it set America on a course to believe in itself again. We sure as hell could use another moment like that now!
@@58bigdaddy58 I was a Freshman at OSU in the downstairs lounge watching the game, the lounge was packed and when the final buzzer sounded we all lost our minds. What a great moment.
Disney couldn’t have shown what Brooks told them before the Finland game.....”you lose this game and you’ll take it to your f***ing graves.....Your F***ing graves.” The man was a legend.
I was 20 years old when We beat the USSR, I had a girlfriend that wanted me to come over, but I wanted to watch the game, so she said she would dump me if I didn’t come over, BEST decision I ever made watching Our Boys Beat the Big Red Machine!
I feel like Kurt Russell really embraced this role. I wasn't sure I ever imagined him playing Herb Brooks, but he was truly an excellent choice and very believable. Really kind of an underrated actor over the years. I've always enjoyed his work and I certainly loved him in Miracle!
Yep. Great story. I heard Rizzo say he paused at the door and turned around and simply said, one more time, “your F@&$in graves.” But I guess you can’t put that in a Disney movie.
Ya, but that speech wasn't to start the game. That was during the intermission between the 2nd and 3rd period when they were down 2-1. They steamrolled the Fins in the 3rd.
I did too. I wore them to a Halloween party. I went as Fred Garvin, male prostitute. I don’t know if you remember Dan Ackroyd. playing that part on a Saturday Night Live skit. It was hilarious.
In 1980 I was 17 yrs old and this game was played in my backyard, Lake Placid NY. Coming from a small town on the ADK Park it was the most people we had ever seen. Although i was not in attendance, (we didn't have the money) we were outside the stadium listening to the game and the crowd going absolutely wild. Post game, the streets of LP were absolutely packed and it was just amazing to be a part of the celebration. Something ill never forget as a teenager..
Amazing story to hear ❣️✊🏒 THANK YOU:) I was 20 and have been checked in for life! It still bugs me we had a year of NO HOCKEY in 2000’s, so we put a “FLYERS UNDEFEATED YR”sticker on our TRUCK 😅and it’s STILL ON IT❣️Philly area ppl 🤭
I remember when Vancouver had the Olympics, and the US faced Canada for gold. Great game, forcing the tie, overtime. And then Crosby slams "the golden goal" past the pipes! And everyone in America went "we lost?" An amazing game, truly amazing, and one of the greatest games I have ever seen. Still a bit miffed we only took silver, but damn, it that wasn't the greatest ending to a game I have ever seen!
I hate that we can never beat Canada for gold but nothing but respect the North. Can't be upset when ya'll brought it to us, hockey never gets the love or respect it deserves.
@Cain Harris I knew nothing about hockey until I went to an NHL game with one of my buddies from Toronto, now I'm hooked, GREAT sport. Really deserves more recognition...absolutely amazing athletes
I'm quite familiar with Kurt Russel, yet here I only see Herb Brooks. Great acting. If only parents could talk this way to their kids, we could have a much better next generation.
I was a junior in HS..16 then..now 58. Those last seconds called my Al Michaels give me the chills and still to this day a sense of pride. Lived in Bowling Green/OH where the banners of Ken Morrow and Mark Wells hang proudly in the Ice Arena. They played for the BG Falcons from 1975-79
@@mightymac63 Yes they did, and if I'm not mistaken Ken Morrow went on to play for the N.Y. Islanders. I'm the same age as you and shared the same immense pride at the end of that game. I also recall the 1984 National Championship Game with BGSU and UMD. The quadruple overtime game. What a classic. I grew up and have lived in Mpls/St.Paul for over 50 years. Love the game and played plenty of it. Actually worked with Steve Christoff for a few years. Cried like a baby when I heard Herb Brooks died. Anyway, nice to hear comments from a BGSU fan. I hope the best for their future.
Saw the game live up in Montreal, was 16 at the time, remember the shock of seeing Eurzione's game winning goal, but also, you almost knew it was going in.
I was 10 yrs old watching with my brother. We were so excited that we made it that far. I will NEVER forget how my brother and I hugged each other jumping up and down when we won. The GREATEST sport event EVER. I can watch this movie over and over again. Still gives me chills. Now as a 50 yr old whose son is in the Navy I'm even PROUDER of that American Flag and OUR USA! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you. Yes all the military are heroes especially now with this crazy sh** going on. They are going to the ones protecting us when people get off there rockers abt this virus. Everyone needs to 'calm down'. Swine killed MORE
In 1972, we Canadians celebrated Team Canada, our team of the century. In 1980, Americans celebrated their team of the century. So did the game of hockey. Thanks Disney for making "Miracle".
That’s what John Tortorella is, as well. If Torts was the head coach in 2010 and 2014, we would’ve won back-to-back gold medals. Ron Wilson held his players accountable, but it was meaningless and Dan Bylsma was just too soft to do anything.
@MUFC Yeah, that's nice. You obviously don't understand the events that were happening in the world at the time this game was played. It wasn't so much the fact that it was hockey. It's what the game represented. The intensity of the Cold War had increased drastically due to the Soviet Union invading Afghanistan. Some of the workers from the U.S. embassy had been taken hostage in Iran. The economy was in bad shape. And the U.S. was threatening to boycott the 1980 summer Olympics, which were going to be held in Moscow. The American people were desperate for something, ANYTHING, to boost their spirits. It had only been 13 days since the same U.S.S.R. team had beaten the same U.S. team in an exhibition game by a score of 10-3. Needless to say, the U.S. wasn't supposed to have any chance whatsoever. The U.S. team was made up of a bunch of wet behind the ears college kids, mostly from Minnesota, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The coach, Herb Brooks, was the head hockey coach at the University of Minnesota. The U.S.S.R. team was, without question, the best team in the world. The U.S. won the game 4-3, and "The Miracle on Ice" was born. The U.S. victory was exactly what the country needed. In fact, "Sports Illustrated" named "The Miracle on Ice" as the top sports moment of the 20th century. This had nothing to do with hockey being more popular than soccer. It was the 1980 Winter Olympics. We will never see anything like that again. This game meant quite a bit to a lot of Americans, even those who are not normally hockey fans. Being a Minnesotan for nearly my whole life, and having played it for a very long time, hockey will always be the sport that means the most to me. You can have soccer. If people like it, good for them. To each his own.
From the formation of that team the previous summer to the Gold Medal win over Finland, Herb Brooks executed the single greatest job of coaching ever done in any sport by any human.
Simply the greatest sporting event to happen in the history of the world. Bar. None. It literally changed America. We were winners again. And everyone knew it. God bless them all for what they did!
I think every boy had the little hockey version of foosball with the USA vs Russia for 10 years to come. There were other attitude adjusters, but this was certainly toward the top of the list.
Now we just want participation trophies. Now we forget how it feels to work hard and EARN something. I remember watching this game with my mom. Great job boys.
I watched that game as a 13 year old Minnesota hockey player in Owatonna, standing at the end of my parents' bed and staring at a 13" sony color tv mounted on the wall. I stood for the whole game so I could get a better look. Even as a kid, I knew the significance of that game politically and the David and Goliath matchup that it was. I know it even more today at 47. That game was epic. I later attended Herb Brooks' hockey camps at Shattuck in Faribault, MN and met Herb Brooks there. I had a special encounter there walking up the gravel road to the rink one day--yeah the old quonset hut with the chain link fence instead of plexiglass. It must have been the last day of camp. Herb stopped my mother and I on the way to the rink to ask if I had enjoyed the camp--of course I had! But I learned from him that he had played for St. Paul Johnson at the sane time that my mom's father coached Mechanic Arts. Herb knew my grandfather and said some nice words about him, Biff Adams. Herb was kind, humble, special. You could tell. I remember it like it was yesterday and am thankful to have had that chance encounter with him. That olympic game was a huge team effort, but what a coach! What a game! Thank you for lifting our spirits that day and many days since.
I was pissed that Channel WJLA 7 in Washington, DC gave away the outcome before they showed the game, I could tell though that they won by all the fans celebrating outside in Lake Placid.
I watched the game on a 19 inch black and white TV at my friend's house. His father Tony was my little league baseball coach. What a proud moment in time for all of America. I played hockey growing up in St. Clair Shores, Mi. My cousin (Mark) was a goalie and teammate of Mark Wells. What a thrill to watch them defeat the Soviets. USA! USA! USA!
I'm German. I was 15 Years old when this Game started. That Game was the greatest Sportsmoment of my Life. I 'll never forget this greatest Moment in American Sportshistory. I have seen this Movie 25 times. Its fantastic.
Man when I was 13 years old my hockey team won provincial in bc Canada. Tier 3 at the time so not great but it meant the world to us. And we had a guy who, before every game, would recite this exact speech. We tailored it for whomever we played that day but I swear that is what won us the championship. This is the single greatest pre game speech of all time in my opinion. I’ll never forget it
I was a 10 year old kid from Oklahoma when this game was played. I watched it and wanted to grow up to be a hockey player LOL. This event has to be the greatest sporting event in Olympic history for the USA.
@@sgtlamancha805I've watched a lot of great sporting events in my life, but the 1980 hockey team win of the Russians really is the top of the heap. Folks that were not alive then just don't understand how important this win was for America as a country. I was only 10, but even I knew the country was in the dumps. Economy sucked. Iran had taken innocent Americans hostage. Jimmy Carter was a good man, but he was in over his head being President. When this team won, it was like confirmation that America was still the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was like all the pride of being an American just rushed back into our souls. I hope and pray that a similar event can bring our country back together and young people from today can feel pride in America again....
There was no one, absolutely no one as a coach other than Herbie that could have pulled this victory off against that Russian team. He was truly iconic........
@chazbukowski Not even close. Chaminade would've had to beat the Lakers or Celtics in the 80s for it to be similar. The Soviets had just killed our NHL All Stars. A bunch of college kids beat the greatest hockey team ever assembled.
I was 10 years old, and watched it from my living room, and started crying when that buzzer went and the flags came out. Only time in my life I ever cried watching a sporting event. Even at 10, I knew what it meant.
No..."Slapshot" is the greatest hockey movie......this movie is about much more than hockey. It's about one of the greatest moments in a spirtually depressed country coming at a time it was needed.
I was 10, sick, living in Chicago, we lived in a two flat in West Rogers Park, Devon and Talman. I remember watching the game on a Zenith Black and White...didnt understand then why it mattered so much. Now, gives me goose-bumps everytime....what a proud moment to be part of the USA....we need some of this now....anyway the USA Juniors are taking care of business this year.....USA!!!!
im a canadian but i am a lover of hockey! this is the most epic speech i have ever seen i have watched this a dozen or more times!! this is for all the players fans coaches and families that love the game!!
I wish my family would say that to me ... lol... but they just block my internet and phone so they can block anything Great out of Gods Queen... wrong move ... do u think that's what God would want them to do ..?? Listen to my every move ...
I remember that night watching the game as a 12 year old kid. Our house was full of neighbors, friends & kids. That night we sat in the living room in the dark- the only light from the TV. When it got to Mike Eruzione’s goal that gave us the lead, we were all screaming & yelling & high-fiving each other as Eruzione was jumping all over the ice. I’ll tell you the last 3 or 4 minutes of the game, nobody said a word in our house. Some were crossing all their fingers, some closed their eyes in silent & fervent prayer. Still some of us were tightly gripping some one else’s hand. Those last 10 seconds when Al Michael’s was counting down, in unison we all counted down out loud with him. When the final buzzer went off, popcorn, pretzels, soda & beer cans went flying in every direction as we all jumped up and down, chanting “USA! USA! USA!” And then singing “ Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye!” . Funny thing: 4 months later when we were doing our Saturday chores, we pulled out popcorn kernels from that night! It was one of the happiest days of my life. So if you ask me, “Do you believe in Miracles?” I reply “F@@@in’ A, bubba!”
I’ve watched this movie thousands of times and every time I watch it makes me proud to be an American and I think that is problem with today we’ve all forgotten what it’s like to be proud Americans and what I mean by that is back in the Cold War, WWII, WW1, American Revolution We were on edge with the enemy so we all had to stick together in order to win, but when we won we started to become soft because no one could beat us and now where we are today, everybody just does their own thing and nobody cares anymore. Think about all the problems that we have nowadays Every day you turn on the news and there’s always a new problem. Our country is literally falling apart right in front of our eyes It’s sad. This movie is a example of what it’s like to be a proud American when it matters most.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Crazy. "Nobody cares anymore". News for you. We turned on the news in 1980 and there were always new problems then too. But you got one thing right, that some people today think isolation cures everything. We've got a candidate for president and his cult followers that praises two of the worst human-rights-abusing dictators in the world, putin and kim. The unprovoked barbaric invasion of a sovereign nation is a Cold War thing happening today. In both those countries, any dissent is met with torture, imprisonment, and/or death. We decried those things about the Soviets, now our presidential wannabe calls their president "a genius" and "brilliant" and about, the leader of N Korea, a "great strong leader". Yeah, "strong" means "good" in his book. You don't clap loud enough at Kim's speeches, you get "disappeared" (lots of "falling" out of hotel windows in Moscow). How about we get some of that patriotic spirit back support democracy and its principles, and call out these bastard dictators on their totalitarian nightmare regimes? My aunt in Finland is caring for two Ukrainian children whose parents were murdered in front of them. Does the USA have any principles anymore or do we let them slide?
The best movie I've ever seen, hands down....so inspirational, yet so depressing at the same time. This level of integrity, drive and determination is no longer a part of the United States of America. Proud to have been alive when my country achieved the seemingly impossible.
Pshaw. In the 80s people were saying that the level of integrity, drive and determination of the 50s would never return, and so on and so on before that. Regressives always thing that the previous generation was somehow better - but those regressives are exactly the ones who would not have been able to beat the Soviet team because they would not see the potential of the kids of their time. I see the spirit and fire of the millennial generation as they throw off the shackles of the past and assert themselves. They'll carry the torch proudly as soon as the boomers get out of the way.
My favorite Herb Brooks quote and the one that most inspires me actually has nothing to do with hockey. He was telling me a story about how he once started his house on fire with a blowtorch while trying to thaw a frozen water pipe: "Sometimes intelligent people do unintelligent things." This helps me through it when I screw up from time to time.
The game started at 5 O’Clock PM on Friday February 22, 1980. This was before marketing and prime time scheduling. The game was taped. When it was shown on ABC that night, the game was already finished.
Many who watched it did not know the score. No internet. Some media avoided talking about the game to keep the lid on what had happened. The Russians wouldn't switch the game time start. They were asked and said no. The buzz for this team was already building nationwide when they came back and tied the Swedes and then destroyed Czech.
Psychological breakdown on what makes this a great speech. Hope: “great moments r born of great opportunity. Self investment “this is what you’ve Earned” Then the most important part. He acknowledges what everybody knows. That the Soviets r better. But the KEY is he puts their focus on this ONE game. Then he builds and empowers in a brilliant fashion. He uses a technique to have them envision that they’ve Already WON. “Not tonight. This is Your night. Tonight YOU r the greatest hockey team.” “Now go out there and Take it!”
I was 11 years old but remember watching and also watching them get killed at MSG the week before. I firmly believe this was both the greatest upset in sports history but also the greatest moment ever in sports. Nothing has ever come close.
This movie is basically gospel in my household. My dad went to U of M with a handful of the guys, and I've been fortunate enough to meet Ramsey, Craig, and Eruzione through various book signings and when the film released. I think I can easily say that to most northwestern hockey kids, including myself, that these guys deserve to have their legend preserved. Me and a handful of buddies watch this movie on Feb 22nd every year to pay respects to arguably the best moment in sports history.
I'm a 59 year old female, raised in East Los Angeles. Knew nothing about hockey until our Canadian neighbor Austin taught me about the sport. My favorite team is the Los Angeles Kings 💜🏒 but I'll watch any game that's on because I love hockey so much! 👏👏 USA! USA! ❤️🤍💙 I met Eruzione @ a LA Kings game so he signed my USA jersey. I consider hockey to be the #1 sport! ❤️🏒
@@lizapaulineramirez one of my neighbors played for the Kings in 2011! I love how more people are getting into the sport, it's really the fastest game played, and we need new fans. If you have any interest in playing yourself, nearly everywhere with a rink has a beer league or pond hockey. Usually a few different levels too with super casual or competitive depending on what you like. It's never too late to skate, my dad just turned 65 and we still play on the pond in winter.
How nice that you got to meet many of the team. Plus, that you and your buddies watch the movie each year, to pay your respects. I'm not into sports, really - but I must agree that this was definitely the best moment in sports history.
Indeed Patrick. In my opinion, the turning point of that game was when the Americans scored with one second left in the first period to tie the game 2-2. That late goal was a MAJOR MOMENTUM BOOSTER for the USA.
DamThatRiver85 but let’s take a look at the shots on goal to goal percentage. USA- 4 goals on 16 shots (25%) USSR- 3 goals on 39 shots (~7.7%) Not only was America’s goalie play better, but their shots were more selective, and carefully placed unlike the Soviets.
Great speech by Herb (Kurt). According to interviews I've seen with Mike Eruzione the team Captain, they pretty much captured it word for word here. Not too much Hollywood spin. Nice job. Thanks for posting.
@@rjhuf That's funny and true. Since it was a Disney Production I figured the "F" Bomb wasn't going to fly. Still a well done job by Kurt Russell as Herb. Have a good one.
Mike Eruzione was from my hometown. After the Olympics, we had a big parade for him. He also came by my elementary school and signed autographs. He was a very down to earth guy.
"Tonight we're the greatest hockey team in the world" what an inspirational meaning for that game. USA! USA! USA! The one thing that made the hostages from Iran smile & rejoice was hearing how our hockey team won the gold medal at Lake Placid
In my IT career when I am struggling down .I always used to hear this speech.Instead of "U r born to be hockey players" I replace it with "U r born to be a IT professional". Automatically my confidence boost to next level :)
I'm 70, from Minnesota, and I still play hockey. I've watched this speech a zillion times, and it brings tears every time... "One game.... if we played 'em 10 times they might win 9.... but not this game... Not Tonight...." Whenever I run into something that seems impossible I recite Herbie's words....."Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world...." Thank you, Herb Brooks, for showing all of us what can happen when we belive in ourselves. 🏒🏒
If anybody truly deserves a lifelong achievement academy award is Kurt Russell I mean come on look at all the iconic figures he’s played in all his movies. Get with it academy
This was the greatest upset of all time in any sport! As a Canadian I love hockey. The Soviet's of this time had one of the greatest teams ever assembled ! The best of the NHL could not beat them. But somehow Brooks coached College kids to get it done. Awesome!!
I love the subtle sounds aside from the soundtrack in this scene. The sound of the torch on the stick blade. The skate rocking back and forth on the rubber. Herb flipping through the playbook. Brilliant.
This is the first hockey game I ever saw, standing next to my father. I still remember so much of it. In Chicago, the Blackhawks weren't on TV at all in that era. I begged my parents to play hockey because of this game.
"Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that's what you have here tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game; if we played them ten times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players-every one of you, and you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it!"
You're right. It's the 5th rate spaghetti you get at that restaurant that even you could make better if you didn't try. It's like well, if it's on and I literally having nothing else going on, including poking my eyes out, then I'll watch.
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jimmy Craig one day/night back in 2000, a friend of mine was his next door neighbor growing up Jim is one of the best, a real down to earth gentleman!!!
I watched this in Feb. 2004 the week before it was released. Charlotte, N.C. The theater shook when O.C. went into game. and from every goal after. O.C., GO! O.C. GET IN THERE
For one moment Minnesota kids and Boston kids were brothers in creating a miracle. I've got nothing but respect for Boston's rich hockey history in helping to bring that miracle to fruition. Cheers. -a Minnesotan
You can transform human beings to perform at limits beyond their ability with speeches like this. And the team did just that. Amazing performance to win that game
This team was closely watched in Minnesota leading up to this. Coach Brooks does not cave into "this is the way we've always done it" or bureaucracy. He put this team on a demanding trajectory right from the beginning. He fought for time to develop this team. They played an increasingly difficult schedule of games including NHL teams. No one but Herb thought they could win the gold, but we all knew they were going to be very competitive and skate like demons out there.
Johnson: Minneapolis McClanahan: St Paul Christoff: Richfield Broten: Roseau Pavelich: Evlith Verchota: Duluth Schnieder: Grand Rapids Strobel: Rochester Christian: Warroad Harrington: Virginia Ramsey: Minneapolis Baker: Grand Rapids Auge: St Paul Ross: Roseau Delich: Evlith Harrier: Bloomington Janaszak: St Paul Horsh: Red Wing
I'll never forget my dad's response. The game wasn't televised on the West Coast until three hours after it started, so he was listening to it on the radio while he was driving home on the freeway about 5 pm or so. He said the traffic was going about 25 miles an hour so probably almost everyone was listening to the radio broadcast. When the game ended people started honking their horns, and then pulling off on the side of the freeway. He said people were getting out of their cars and jumping around and hugging each other, so he joined in too. Just a great moment.
We had to listen to it on the radio in Lake Placid…🙄
Because ABC or NBC (I forget which) owned the broadcasting rights
That win was the flashpoint of the greatest decade in our country's history. These days, our country is shrouded in darkness and misery. I'd give anything to go back to that time.
@@gregj831 I guess if you consider the AIDS epidemic, the biggest gap between rich and poor in our country's history occurring, the Iran-Contra Scandal (crimes just as bad as Watergate, and too many of them to enumerate here), the influx of crack cocaine and heroin (much of it brought in from Southeast Asia poppy fields after the Vietnam War) that decimated the inner cities, the introduction of "trickle-down" economics which shriveled up the tax base and led to the cancellation of school lunch and after-school programs, a massively bloated military budget that also contributed to the elimination of programs to benefit the poor and children, the Savings & Loan debacle that sucked up billions of those diminishing taxpayer dollars to bail out irresponsible fat cats, the "greed is good" ethos that was openly espoused on Wall Street, the environmental degradation that was embodied by Three Mile Island, the transfer of our national economy from a a producer to a service level economy, the astronomically ballooning national debt, the rise of right-wing "shock jocks" on AM radio, the NRA becoming politicized, the rise of the "religious right" which was always more about politics than gentle Christianity, the beginning of the wasting of trillions of dollars on "Star Wars" -- the idiotic idea that we could develop a "space shield" from Soviet missiles, Reagan's ignoring of the atrocities of Saddam Hussein and instead sending Donald Rumsfeld to SA to give Saddam the formulas for chemical weapons, 138 Reagan officials being indicted for crimes committed while in office (most of them pardoned by Reagan and his successor GHW Bush -- sound familiar?), the appointment of the woefully inept James Watt as head of the EPA (to be replaced by the corrupt Anne Gorsuch who was just as bad) -- if you consider all of this to be representative of the "greatest decade" in our nation's history, I sure would be scared to see what you consider a bad decade!
@@24HeySay Name a time when America was actually perfect? And yet that decade was still, far and away better than today. People were way more happy and I'll bank that one over any of your BS anytime. Unlike today, that decade was characterized by exceptionalism and hard work. Your Progressive Fascist ideology is driven and fueled by hatred, immorality, apathy, self-victimhood and largesse. It is YOU who represents the 'one percenter Fascist Elites'. These are the same f*cks who push racial hatred/divide and who try to sexually indoctrinate innocent children. It is your Fascism which has left our border wide open for tons of illegal deadly fentanyl and heroin to pour into our country and kill our youth. You don't give a f*ck! It is YOU and your Fascism which has further racially victimized Blacks ensuring the continued decline of their family structure. It YOU and your Fascism which has introduced George Soros funded DA's who turn their back on enforcing the law thus resulting in even more death and crime among blacks. It is Progressive Fascists like you who can afford $7.00/gallon, inflation and the social consequences of your Cult's horrifically irresponsible thinking. It is YOU and your malignant hate and narcissism which has resurrected the evils of Marxism/Fascism.
@@24HeySay It must nice living in that Manhattan Skyrise far away from the consequences of your BS. Which self-hating adjunct Prof has been feeding your hate?
I used to live in Minnesota so by law I have to watch this movie once a year.
I thought it was bi-monthly during the off season.
When I was playing hockey in college we literally had this movie on loop in our apartment (lived with 2 other guys on the team)
Quite possibly Kurt Russel's greatest role. He completely CRUSHED his portrayal of Herb Brooks. Well done!!!!!!
Toss up between that and Tombstone, but I totally agree with you!
Sorry friend. The votes are in, and Big Trouble in Little China takes the gold.
Not even close.
100%!!! He was absolutely fantastic indeed!!!
I'm from Minnesota and was born 9 months and 6 days later..... Guess my parents were pretty excited about the game!
haha you were a miracle baby
And your first spoken garbled sentence USA USA USA ! Of course.
"They might win 9... But not this game... Not tonight."
CHILLS.
The critics were ready to give it to him after he said that, lol
You watched it too..? OMG
MUFC wow awesome, I don’t give a shit
MUFC fuck off
As a Canadian, never so proud of America when they won, remembering watching that game. Love America and always will!
Tom Dagenais im STILL waiting for our 2010 revenge!
Crosby is SHIT
Love from the US😁
Tom Dagenais
Can’t have red white and blue without red and white ;)
thank you Tom. we love canada.
We love you too
Imagine being a college aged young adult, representing your country, against one of the greatest teams ever assembled. What they did was truly a miracle
Geez never thought about it like that
Also, the team you will be playing against beat the shit out of the NHL Allstars.
A Beautiful Miracle…
imagine being 20 minutes to be a hero for yourself! in you re hand!
take it!
tells you something about the soviet team at that time. if you beat them it was a literal MIRACLE.
This is what America needs right now- these are the kind of people America needs right now. God bless Herb Brooks and God Bless America!
I'd go through hell and back for my coach if he made a speech like that
No doubt about it---damn, after hearing that I'd be BEGGING to knock a Russian player on his ass!!
Tregre777 Holy SHIT!! Dude---you are fucking WHACKED!! Get your shrink to give you some max-strength psych meds cause' you sure as fuck need em' ROTFLMAO!!
Said the man that never competed for a thing in his life.....you are not even qualified to offer a comment.
Tregre777 If only the America of the 1940's had your attitude.....You would be speaking German now.
you sound gay... are you from Leeds? I here they have a lot of that running around.
Many people think this win was for the Gold...they had to beat a great Finland team after this to win the Gold. Two miraculous wins !
Josh Martins They trailed in both those games too to come back and win.
Actually outside of an exibition game against Romania where they won 10-2 this U.S team trailed and had to have a comeback for every win and tie they got for that olympics
Josh Martins And the US team had just had their asses handed to them by the Soviets in exhibition just days before the Olympics started 10 - 3. Thank God the US didn't win the exhibition then lose 10 - 3 in Lake Placid.
Josh Martins they beat Finland
Josh Martins meh, finland was not as good back then as it was going to the 90s but they almost upset usa though
The USSR game was on a Friday afternoon. I was on a bus from Dallas to Galveston on a fraternity pledge class retreat that day. We were aware that the US team was playing the Soviets that day but we all knew the USA team had zero chance of winning. So we weren’t focused on the game.
We stopped in Huntsville, Texas at a McDonalds just off I-45 to get burgers around 6 or 7pm, and while we were in the restaurant someone with a radio shouted “we just beat the Russians!”
The entire restaurant exploded in joy, people went completely apeshit, a bunch of small town Texans, most of whom I am sure had never in their lives seen a hockey puck, spontaneously jumping up and down and singing God Bless America at the top of their lungs.
I will never forget that moment of shared exhilaration as long as I live.
Amen. At its heart this game wasn’t about hockey; it was about the US sending a message to the USSR in the Cold War that we were a force to be reckoned with.
Hockey in texas is fun. The few that care, really care haha.
I was 12, living just outside of Philly. Everybody was home watching. The second Al Michaels asked if we believed in miracles houses emptied, people shouting and crying in joy. People got in their cars and formed impromptu parades for hours. It was the first time in a long time that Americans had something positive happen.
Sacrilege, y'all didn't stop at a Whataburger! 😉😄
I grew up in Dallas playing hockey, thats some epic shit right there man
The name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
So many athletes at so many levels in so many sports simply don’t get this...
nathan greer it’s a line in the movie
When are Americans going to stop talking about something that happened like 40 years ago lol. Talk about beating a dead horse. Patriotic crap!
Silence, Russian. It's called being proud of your nation.
@@johnsondangles1033 Because History is important and if you dont realize this you sir are the most ignorant of all while this may not seem important to you for American sports fans this shows them we can be on top and will be on top with strength and relentless courage. For thouse young men they thought they were beat the first time they saw the USSR's team but they showed themselves and the world differntly while it may seem stupid to you nationalism shaped America and all the other countries in the world. It just so happens that even if us American arnt in the best shaped or our country has its issues most of us keep are heads high look towards greats feats or american victory to show us a way.
My short rant sorry for any errors in my paragraph or any mispelling im not the best at proper writing.
I was so pissed when Kurt Russell didnt get an Oscar nod for this...
Kurt Russell Should Been Had Indeed Won a Oscar For This Role One Of His Best Roles Ever!
It's a pro American movie, which is why no Oscar
No, you douche bag, Escape from New York was his crowning glory. lol. What an idiot comment you made.
No way they'd give an Oscar for a hockey movie.
Ace Rothstein just to Fredrick Andersson for last nights dive.
"One game. If we played them 10 times, they might win 9. But not this game. Not...tonight"
One of THE most motivational quotes I have ever heard in a movie. Simple--but 1000% matter of factly confident.
yep and he ended his speech with the marching order of go out there and take it
agreed
That was psychological brilliance.
It would be what Tom coughlin speech would be before Super Bowl 42 when the underdogs New York giants faced the run away favourites and undefeated New England patriots
I was 10 years old. Knew nothing of this speech, of course, but had watched the torch go past my house that year. Directly in front of my home on its way to lake placid. That win that night remains unforgettable. Indelible. My God. USA. If we could only have that pride again. I’d give my right arm to heal this country today.
No Coach in the world couldve got out of those young men what Herb Brooks did. He was, by far, the right man for the job.
"And we shut them down, because we can!"
Still sends shivers down my spine. I'd be pretty pumped up too for a championship game if my coach ever gave this speech pre-game.
Ohhh definitely my favorite part, just straight bullying the bully
And they outscored their opponents I think by a 22-6 margin in every 3rd period of every game..
hate to be this guy, but it was the semifinals. they played finland in the finals i believe
@@jackspelder1688 you’re right.
It’s something often forgot. This wasn’t the Gold Medal game. It was the play-in game. Goes to show just how big this game was!
Even if they lost the Gold and got Silver, it wouldn’t have mattered. We beat the Soviets!
Ahhh, how I wish I was alive to be able to experience it. But, alas, I was about -9 at the time.
Would love to see the St Peters coach make a speech like this before they meet Duke in the final four, that’s my dream scenario
Kurt Russell deserves an Oscar just for this speech and the emotions that he has put into it and the presentation itself.
Well Herb Brooks made this speech, verbatim, in person and did it live, instead of acting.
@@jordanvanmeter1020 You missed the boat bro, the point was Russell’s ability to invoke that moment. Not every actor could do that.
And Kurt wasn't even nominated which, along with Val Killmer's Tombstone snub(coincidentally another great movie Kurt Russel was in), is one of the greatest crimes against humanity.
Kurt Russell deserved 10 Oscars in his career. He is the People's Actor, but the Academy is not the people.
Russel deserved an Oscar just for being able to give this speech in those pants! LOL. Best sports memory of my lifetime, and second place is so far away, I do not even know what it is.
Some may say it was only a hockey game, but if you were alive in 1980, and knew what was happening in this country, it really cannot be overstated how important that victory was to the American psyche. Truly remarkable.
In my opinion, the single greatest achievement in sport's history. I agree Charlie Z with your brief comments! I was a senior in college, watching the game on TV. When the final horn sounded tears were flowing down my cheeks. The only time I can remember crying after any sports event - win or lose.
Can you elaborate? I was born in 89 but interested in the history aspect as well.
@@ethansongoku7576 The country was in a serious malaise coming out of Vietnam, the gas crisis, the hostages in Iran, and the Cold War. Jimmy Carter, during a nationwide televised speech, said Americans believed things would be worse for their kids than for them (I'm paraphrasing). The 1980 Olympic hockey team wasn't expected to get to the medal round, let alone win Gold. The Soviet Union had beaten them 10 - 2 in an exhibition match just a couple of weeks before the Olympics. They had won Gold at every Olympics since '64 (I think). It truly was a miracle that a bunch of college kids beat the best team in the world. Along with Ronald Reagan being elected President and the hostages being released, it set America on a course to believe in itself again. We sure as hell could use another moment like that now!
@@58bigdaddy58 I was a Freshman at OSU in the downstairs lounge watching the game, the lounge was packed and when the final buzzer sounded we all lost our minds. What a great moment.
I wasn’t old enough to understand the geopolitical implications at the time. This victory was a huge shot in the arm this nation desperately needed.
Disney couldn’t have shown what Brooks told them before the Finland game.....”you lose this game and you’ll take it to your f***ing graves.....Your F***ing graves.” The man was a legend.
It wasn't before the game, Brooks said that during 2nd intermission when they were down 2-1
That was actually after the 2nd intermission, and yeah we know what happened later
You know how it is with Disney. Always leaving out those details where there’s been a bunch of swearing.
Love It.........but he's right, they'd never be able to forgive themselves, if they lost.
I was 20 years old when We beat the USSR, I had a girlfriend that wanted me to come over, but I wanted to watch the game, so she said she would dump me if I didn’t come over, BEST decision I ever made watching Our Boys Beat the Big Red Machine!
FUCKING RIGHTSSSSS
ATTTA BOY i wonder if you didnt watch the game. Biggest regret of your life
TRUE AMERICAN !
This man ain't no simp, he's a patriot!
Haha fuck yes Trash Compacted the Big Red Machibe
I was 7 years old. I will never forget this moment. I a from Minnesota. Hockey rules!
I feel like Kurt Russell really embraced this role. I wasn't sure I ever imagined him playing Herb Brooks, but he was truly an excellent choice and very believable. Really kind of an underrated actor over the years. I've always enjoyed his work and I certainly loved him in Miracle!
I agree. I think Kurt was exceptional in this role.
It was 44 years ago today. I remember it like yesterday. The GREATEST upset in sports history.
His speech during the next game (for gold medal against Finland) was a bit shorter: "You lose this game, you'll take it to your F'in graves!"
Yep. Great story. I heard Rizzo say he paused at the door and turned around and simply said, one more time, “your F@&$in graves.” But I guess you can’t put that in a Disney movie.
Ya, but that speech wasn't to start the game. That was during the intermission between the 2nd and 3rd period when they were down 2-1. They steamrolled the Fins in the 3rd.
That’s a good name
I approve
I heard from my pops that he said basically, “ if you lose this game you’re gonna look like the biggest bunch of candy asses ever.”
Brings tears to my eyes for three reasons.
1) The Speech
2) The Win
3)I had pants like Coach Brooks in 1974!
Me too, and I have the school pictures to prove it.
@@mgaamerica9185 Me, three!!! Plus the shirts with the collars that had wingspans of a 747!!
I did too. I wore them to a Halloween party. I went as Fred Garvin, male prostitute. I don’t know if you remember Dan Ackroyd. playing that part on a Saturday Night Live skit. It was hilarious.
Omg # 3 killed me 🤣
In 1980 I was 17 yrs old and this game was played in my backyard, Lake Placid NY. Coming from a small town on the ADK Park it was the most people we had ever seen. Although i was not in attendance, (we didn't have the money) we were outside the stadium listening to the game and the crowd going absolutely wild. Post game, the streets of LP were absolutely packed and it was just amazing to be a part of the celebration. Something ill never forget as a teenager..
Amazing story to hear ❣️✊🏒 THANK YOU:) I was 20 and have been checked in for life! It still bugs me we had a year of NO HOCKEY in 2000’s, so we put a “FLYERS UNDEFEATED YR”sticker on our TRUCK 😅and it’s STILL ON IT❣️Philly area ppl 🤭
I’m Canadian from Toronto, but this is one of the greatest moments in hockey history. Much love to the USA. Unbelievable acting from coach.
I remember when Vancouver had the Olympics, and the US faced Canada for gold. Great game, forcing the tie, overtime. And then Crosby slams "the golden goal" past the pipes! And everyone in America went "we lost?"
An amazing game, truly amazing, and one of the greatest games I have ever seen. Still a bit miffed we only took silver, but damn, it that wasn't the greatest ending to a game I have ever seen!
I hate that we can never beat Canada for gold but nothing but respect the North. Can't be upset when ya'll brought it to us, hockey never gets the love or respect it deserves.
One of the greatest moments in all of sports history if not the greatest.
@Cain Harris I knew nothing about hockey until I went to an NHL game with one of my buddies from Toronto, now I'm hooked, GREAT sport. Really deserves more recognition...absolutely amazing athletes
My Mother was from Northern Alberta, but became an Ameircan.....We love Canada!
I don't know why all Americans aren't crazy about hockey.
Me neither. Its great sport, AND it fits american values. It's like hard battled game, almost like war on ice at palyofftime or olympic final.
because stupid people.
I'm American and hockey might well be the greatest sport on Earth!
brettfavreify American football is funner to watch for most americans including me.
Str8 Hyp3r I agree but I also do enjoy watching Hockey alot
I'm quite familiar with Kurt Russel, yet here I only see Herb Brooks. Great acting. If only parents could talk this way to their kids, we could have a much better next generation.
Anybody else still get chills after watching this for the 100th time?
Yes. This is who we are, not what's going on now.
Only 100? Pffft, those are rookie numbers. I get chills after watching this for the billionth time.
Lol
Yes.......count me in!!!
I cry like a bi@ch
I'm telling you right now that if I were in that locker room and heard that speech I would have gone out onto that ice, eaten glass, and shit marbles.
lol
LOL! Pardon me Studa -- aren't you a little too old to be playing with marbles?
;^)
They did.
Dude...classic!
One of the best comments I've ever read!!! lol
Watched this 10 minutes before an interview for my dream job. Needless to say, I got it.
I was 14... I am 54 now.. still brings me to tears. It was one day when we all came together. Thanks for the support from our Canadian brethren.
I was a junior in HS..16 then..now 58. Those last seconds called my Al Michaels give me the chills and still to this day a sense of pride. Lived in Bowling Green/OH where the banners of Ken Morrow and Mark Wells hang proudly in the Ice Arena. They played for the BG Falcons from 1975-79
@@mightymac63 Yes they did, and if I'm not mistaken Ken Morrow went on to play for the N.Y. Islanders. I'm the same age as you and shared the same immense pride at the end of that game. I also recall the 1984 National Championship Game with BGSU and UMD. The quadruple overtime game. What a classic. I grew up and have lived in Mpls/St.Paul for over 50 years. Love the game and played plenty of it. Actually worked with Steve Christoff for a few years. Cried like a baby when I heard Herb Brooks died. Anyway, nice to hear comments from a BGSU fan. I hope the best for their future.
@@shrewd1245 Morrow did go to the Islanders right after the Olympics and won four Stanley Cups
Saw the game live up in Montreal, was 16 at the time, remember the shock of seeing Eurzione's game winning goal, but also, you almost knew it was going in.
@@mightymac63 Aye Ziggy Zoomba!
"You were born to be hockey players.....every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.”
Damn it, now I want to watch the whole movie again.
Me too
Grubnar same dud
Movie shoot watch the actual game it’s on here
Such a great movie
Grubnar Again!!
I was 10 yrs old watching with my brother. We were so excited that we made it that far. I will NEVER forget how my brother and I hugged each other jumping up and down when we won. The GREATEST sport event EVER. I can watch this movie over and over again. Still gives me chills. Now as a 50 yr old whose son is in the Navy I'm even PROUDER of that American Flag and OUR USA! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you. Yes all the military are heroes especially now with this crazy sh** going on. They are going to the ones protecting us when people get off there rockers abt this virus. Everyone needs to 'calm down'. Swine killed MORE
In 1972, we Canadians celebrated Team Canada, our team of the century. In 1980, Americans celebrated their team of the century. So did the game of hockey. Thanks Disney for making "Miracle".
I was 17 sitting in my living room watching alone and crying my eyes out.I have never witnessed a greater sporting upset than that game!!!
Same here, I was 14. My mom said "are you crying ?" I said "NOOOO"
I'd like someone to try and tell me they wouldn't run through a wall for Herb Brooks after a speech like that. Goosebumps
@James Robertson To the nipples!!!
That’s what John Tortorella is, as well. If Torts was the head coach in 2010 and 2014, we would’ve won back-to-back gold medals. Ron Wilson held his players accountable, but it was meaningless and Dan Bylsma was just too soft to do anything.
@MUFC Yeah, that's nice. You obviously don't understand the events that were happening in the world at the time this game was played. It wasn't so much the fact that it was hockey. It's what the game represented. The intensity of the Cold War had increased drastically due to the Soviet Union invading Afghanistan. Some of the workers from the U.S. embassy had been taken hostage in Iran. The economy was in bad shape. And the U.S. was threatening to boycott the 1980 summer Olympics, which were going to be held in Moscow. The American people were desperate for something, ANYTHING, to boost their spirits.
It had only been 13 days since the same U.S.S.R. team had beaten the same U.S. team in an exhibition game by a score of 10-3. Needless to say, the U.S. wasn't supposed to have any chance whatsoever.
The U.S. team was made up of a bunch of wet behind the ears college kids, mostly from Minnesota, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The coach, Herb Brooks, was the head hockey coach at the University of Minnesota. The U.S.S.R. team was, without question, the best team in the world. The U.S. won the game 4-3, and "The Miracle on Ice" was born. The U.S. victory was exactly what the country needed. In fact, "Sports Illustrated" named "The Miracle on Ice" as the top sports moment of the 20th century. This had nothing to do with hockey being more popular than soccer. It was the 1980 Winter Olympics. We will never see anything like that again. This game meant quite a bit to a lot of Americans, even those who are not normally hockey fans.
Being a Minnesotan for nearly my whole life, and having played it for a very long time, hockey will always be the sport that means the most to me.
You can have soccer. If people like it, good for them. To each his own.
@@shrewd1245 That guy is clearly a troll. He posted the same shit on another comment thread I read through.
@@shrewd1245 MUFC is robbing some village of their idiot...
Kurt Russell was outstanding in this role. I had met Herb Brooks on a couple occasions and he really caught the essence of the man.
Never met him,but my favorite coach in history of sports
From the formation of that team the previous summer to the Gold Medal win over Finland, Herb Brooks executed the single greatest job of coaching ever done in any sport by any human.
If we played them 10 times they might win 9. But not this game. Literally tears after this sentence
Simply the greatest sporting event to happen in the history of the world. Bar. None. It literally changed America. We were winners again. And everyone knew it. God bless them all for what they did!
I guess you weren't there when I got my 10 metre swimming badge in 1983.
I think every boy had the little hockey version of foosball with the USA vs Russia for 10 years to come. There were other attitude adjusters, but this was certainly toward the top of the list.
Unless u count the Oakland As 20 game miracle winn8ng streak with a team nobody thought could do anything that year
Now we just want participation trophies. Now we forget how it feels to work hard and EARN something. I remember watching this game with my mom. Great job boys.
@@patrickmartin4327 not. Even. Close.
🏒🇺🇸🏒🇺🇸🏒🇺🇸
College kids beat the Soviets
Then, the next game, get the gold???
I watched that game as a 13 year old Minnesota hockey player in Owatonna, standing at the end of my parents' bed and staring at a 13" sony color tv mounted on the wall. I stood for the whole game so I could get a better look. Even as a kid, I knew the significance of that game politically and the David and Goliath matchup that it was. I know it even more today at 47. That game was epic.
I later attended Herb Brooks' hockey camps at Shattuck in Faribault, MN and met Herb Brooks there. I had a special encounter there walking up the gravel road to the rink one day--yeah the old quonset hut with the chain link fence instead of plexiglass. It must have been the last day of camp. Herb stopped my mother and I on the way to the rink to ask if I had enjoyed the camp--of course I had! But I learned from him that he had played for St. Paul Johnson at the sane time that my mom's father coached Mechanic Arts. Herb knew my grandfather and said some nice words about him, Biff Adams. Herb was kind, humble, special. You could tell. I remember it like it was yesterday and am thankful to have had that chance encounter with him. That olympic game was a huge team effort, but what a coach! What a game! Thank you for lifting our spirits that day and many days since.
I was pissed that Channel WJLA 7 in Washington, DC gave away the outcome before they showed the game, I could tell though that they won by all the fans celebrating outside in Lake Placid.
Love this. I was 16 and never played hockey. First time I ever saw my dad cry!
rockvilleraven I learned about the score from Walter Cronkite about 6:50. Kinda killed the suspense a little.
Love it. I was 14 and the game was amazing@USA
I watched the game on a 19 inch black and white TV at my friend's house. His father Tony was my little league baseball coach. What a proud moment in time for all of America. I played hockey growing up in St. Clair Shores, Mi. My cousin (Mark) was a goalie and teammate of Mark Wells. What a thrill to watch them defeat the Soviets.
USA! USA! USA!
My favorite Herb Brooks quote was said during practice. "You're playing worse and worse everyday and right now you're playing like next month"
he was a character
I'm German. I was 15 Years old when this Game started. That Game was the greatest Sportsmoment of my Life. I 'll never forget this greatest Moment in American Sportshistory. I have seen this Movie 25 times. Its fantastic.
Man when I was 13 years old my hockey team won provincial in bc Canada. Tier 3 at the time so not great but it meant the world to us. And we had a guy who, before every game, would recite this exact speech. We tailored it for whomever we played that day but I swear that is what won us the championship. This is the single greatest pre game speech of all time in my opinion. I’ll never forget it
When he says, "Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world." I lose it. I almost cry every time.
“Great moments are born from great opportunity.”
I was a 10 year old kid from Oklahoma when this game was played. I watched it and wanted to grow up to be a hockey player LOL. This event has to be the greatest sporting event in Olympic history for the USA.
15 year old then also from Oklahoma…such a great day😊😊
@@sgtlamancha805I've watched a lot of great sporting events in my life, but the 1980 hockey team win of the Russians really is the top of the heap. Folks that were not alive then just don't understand how important this win was for America as a country. I was only 10, but even I knew the country was in the dumps. Economy sucked. Iran had taken innocent Americans hostage. Jimmy Carter was a good man, but he was in over his head being President. When this team won, it was like confirmation that America was still the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was like all the pride of being an American just rushed back into our souls. I hope and pray that a similar event can bring our country back together and young people from today can feel pride in America again....
Jessie Owens
There was no one, absolutely no one as a coach other than Herbie that could have pulled this victory off against that Russian team. He was truly iconic........
+Tdavid G Greatest coaching job that will EVER be recorded in history...EVER !
"I don't want the best players. I want the *right* ones."
LOL
Sad he never got to see this movie
He also had a new system that no one ever saw with a college professor that studied hockey
Not a hockey fan but this was the biggest upset in sports history hands down! USA🇺🇸
Woodbridge county
@chazbukowski Not even close. Chaminade would've had to beat the Lakers or Celtics in the 80s for it to be similar. The Soviets had just killed our NHL All Stars. A bunch of college kids beat the greatest hockey team ever assembled.
chazbukowski interesting debate 👌
I was 10 years old, and watched it from my living room, and started crying when that buzzer went and the flags came out. Only time in my life I ever cried watching a sporting event. Even at 10, I knew what it meant.
Yes same here 🇺🇸🏒
This was not only one of the greatest moments in sports but one of the greatest moments in American history.
Best Hockey movie ever by far
Mystery, Alaska and Goon are a close second though
Goon ahaha loved the movie cause Seans my fav actor but that isnt even on the list lol.
BosoxnationI972 agreed bud
Corbin Durek
Goon was good but not 2nd place
No..."Slapshot" is the greatest hockey movie......this movie is about much more than hockey. It's about one of the greatest moments in a spirtually depressed country coming at a time it was needed.
Never played hockey once in my life. Herb Brooks is still my favorite coach. He was the architect of the greatest moment in American sports history
After Herb was cut from the the 1960 squad, he watched team USA win gold on TV with his dad. His dad said, "Looks like they cut the right guy."
@@abrahamlincoln9758 cold as fucking ice.
@@abrahamlincoln9758 And yet he still got to win the gold for the US, but as a coach, 20 years later.
This definitely inspired me to start playing ice hockey. Greatest moment of sports history I've ever seen in my life.🇺🇸
I was 10, sick, living in Chicago, we lived in a two flat in West Rogers Park, Devon and Talman. I remember watching the game on a Zenith Black and White...didnt understand then why it mattered so much. Now, gives me goose-bumps everytime....what a proud moment to be part of the USA....we need some of this now....anyway the USA Juniors are taking care of business this year.....USA!!!!
im a canadian but i am a lover of hockey! this is the most epic speech i have ever seen i have watched this a dozen or more times!! this is for all the players fans coaches and families that love the game!!
All you had to say was, I’m a Canadian, rest we understood
Hi there.. how are you doing? Hope you are fine and staying safe over there??
That speech to this day still gives me goosebumps.
Indeed! I was 17 in 1980....A wonderful memory!
Nicky Depaola me too !
I wish my family would say that to me ... lol... but they just block my internet and phone so they can block anything Great out of Gods Queen... wrong move ... do u think that's what God would want them to do ..?? Listen to my every move ...
Me too🇺🇸🏒
No matter how many times I watched this, I still get goosebumps every time...
Same
Me too
Goose bumps on goose bumps!
I remember that night watching the game as a 12 year old kid. Our house was full of neighbors, friends & kids. That night we sat in the living room in the dark- the only light from the TV. When it got to Mike Eruzione’s goal that gave us the lead, we were all screaming & yelling & high-fiving each other as Eruzione was jumping all over the ice. I’ll tell you the last 3 or 4 minutes of the game, nobody said a word in our house. Some were crossing all their fingers, some closed their eyes in silent & fervent prayer. Still some of us were tightly gripping some one else’s hand. Those last 10 seconds when Al Michael’s was counting down, in unison we all counted down out loud with him. When the final buzzer went off, popcorn, pretzels, soda & beer cans went flying in every direction as we all jumped up and down, chanting “USA! USA! USA!” And then singing “ Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye!” . Funny thing: 4 months later when we were doing our Saturday chores, we pulled out popcorn kernels from that night! It was one of the happiest days of my life. So if you ask me, “Do you believe in Miracles?” I reply “F@@@in’ A, bubba!”
And tears
I’ve watched this movie thousands of times and every time I watch it makes me proud to be an American and I think that is problem with today we’ve all forgotten what it’s like to be proud Americans and what I mean by that is back in the Cold War, WWII, WW1, American Revolution We were on edge with the enemy so we all had to stick together in order to win, but when we won we started to become soft because no one could beat us and now where we are today, everybody just does their own thing and nobody cares anymore. Think about all the problems that we have nowadays Every day you turn on the news and there’s always a new problem. Our country is literally falling apart right in front of our eyes It’s sad. This movie is a example of what it’s like to be a proud American when it matters most.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Crazy. "Nobody cares anymore". News for you. We turned on the news in 1980 and there were always new problems then too. But you got one thing right, that some people today think isolation cures everything. We've got a candidate for president and his cult followers that praises two of the worst human-rights-abusing dictators in the world, putin and kim. The unprovoked barbaric invasion of a sovereign nation is a Cold War thing happening today. In both those countries, any dissent is met with torture, imprisonment, and/or death. We decried those things about the Soviets, now our presidential wannabe calls their president "a genius" and "brilliant" and about, the leader of N Korea, a "great strong leader". Yeah, "strong" means "good" in his book. You don't clap loud enough at Kim's speeches, you get "disappeared" (lots of "falling" out of hotel windows in Moscow). How about we get some of that patriotic spirit back support democracy and its principles, and call out these bastard dictators on their totalitarian nightmare regimes? My aunt in Finland is caring for two Ukrainian children whose parents were murdered in front of them. Does the USA have any principles anymore or do we let them slide?
The best movie I've ever seen, hands down....so inspirational, yet so depressing at the same time. This level of integrity, drive and determination is no longer a part of the United States of America. Proud to have been alive when my country achieved the seemingly impossible.
Yea USA will and cannot ever be an underdog like this again I don't think unless they go back to not letting pros in
Pshaw. In the 80s people were saying that the level of integrity, drive and determination of the 50s would never return, and so on and so on before that. Regressives always thing that the previous generation was somehow better - but those regressives are exactly the ones who would not have been able to beat the Soviet team because they would not see the potential of the kids of their time. I see the spirit and fire of the millennial generation as they throw off the shackles of the past and assert themselves. They'll carry the torch proudly as soon as the boomers get out of the way.
My favorite Herb Brooks quote and the one that most inspires me actually has nothing to do with hockey. He was telling me a story about how he once started his house on fire with a blowtorch while trying to thaw a frozen water pipe: "Sometimes intelligent people do unintelligent things." This helps me through it when I screw up from time to time.
The game started at 5 O’Clock PM on Friday February 22, 1980. This was before marketing and prime time scheduling. The game was taped. When it was shown on ABC that night, the game was already finished.
Many who watched it did not know the score. No internet. Some media avoided talking about the game to keep the lid on what had happened. The Russians wouldn't switch the game time start. They were asked and said no. The buzz for this team was already building nationwide when they came back and tied the Swedes and then destroyed Czech.
This is the epitome of mens sports, in the locker room, before a championship or big game. I hope it never gets lost it today's age...
Psychological breakdown on what makes this a great speech.
Hope: “great moments r born of great opportunity.
Self investment “this is what you’ve Earned”
Then the most important part. He acknowledges what everybody knows. That the Soviets r better. But the KEY is he puts their focus on this ONE game.
Then he builds and empowers in a brilliant fashion. He uses a technique to have them envision that they’ve Already WON. “Not tonight. This is Your night. Tonight YOU r the greatest hockey team.”
“Now go out there and Take it!”
I was 11 years old but remember watching and also watching them get killed at MSG the week before. I firmly believe this was both the greatest upset in sports history but also the greatest moment ever in sports. Nothing has ever come close.
The people who disliked this are definitely don’t know what an actual hockey movie looks like. I liked it.
This movie is basically gospel in my household. My dad went to U of M with a handful of the guys, and I've been fortunate enough to meet Ramsey, Craig, and Eruzione through various book signings and when the film released. I think I can easily say that to most northwestern hockey kids, including myself, that these guys deserve to have their legend preserved. Me and a handful of buddies watch this movie on Feb 22nd every year to pay respects to arguably the best moment in sports history.
I am confident that thier legacy will never die.
I'm a 59 year old female, raised in East Los Angeles. Knew nothing about hockey until our Canadian neighbor Austin taught me about the sport. My favorite team is the Los Angeles Kings 💜🏒 but I'll watch any game that's on because I love hockey so much! 👏👏 USA! USA! ❤️🤍💙 I met Eruzione @ a LA Kings game so he signed my USA jersey. I consider hockey to be the #1 sport! ❤️🏒
@@lizapaulineramirez one of my neighbors played for the Kings in 2011! I love how more people are getting into the sport, it's really the fastest game played, and we need new fans. If you have any interest in playing yourself, nearly everywhere with a rink has a beer league or pond hockey. Usually a few different levels too with super casual or competitive depending on what you like. It's never too late to skate, my dad just turned 65 and we still play on the pond in winter.
How nice that you got to meet many of the team. Plus, that you and your buddies watch the movie each year, to pay your respects. I'm not into sports, really - but I must agree that this was definitely the best moment in sports history.
61 year old man bawling right now, seen this many times and watch the tape delayed event. Never get old.
Herb really said "fu** em" instead of screw em
He also used to say, "like a bunch of monkeys fucking a football,"
I think the producers wanted more of a PG movie...
Disney film?
mmm
How do you know? The writers had to guess what he might say. Nobody else was in that room. The players didn’t help write the movie
@@jaymac40 You dont think they got some insight from the players who the movie was based on? This wasnt exactly a fictional story.
One of the greatest speeches of all time! Period!
Rhode Island was born for this - protect and lead in law enforcement and Fire rescue .
TONIGHT, we are the greatest hockey team in the WORLD
+money man Which they were. That night they were better than the Soviets and better than any NHL team.
Indeed Patrick. In my opinion, the turning point of that game was when the Americans scored with one second left in the first period to tie the game 2-2. That late goal was a MAJOR MOMENTUM BOOSTER for the USA.
LOL the Soviets outshot the States 39-16 in this game.
DamThatRiver85 And got blocked! Freaking college kids BEAT roided out pros.
Impossible
DamThatRiver85 but let’s take a look at the shots on goal to goal percentage.
USA- 4 goals on 16 shots (25%)
USSR- 3 goals on 39 shots (~7.7%)
Not only was America’s goalie play better, but their shots were more selective, and carefully placed unlike the Soviets.
Great speech by Herb (Kurt). According to interviews I've seen with Mike Eruzione the team Captain, they pretty much captured it word for word here. Not too much Hollywood spin. Nice job. Thanks for posting.
It's posted in the museum at the arena in Lake Placid and it's word for word as it is here.
Word for word except they all agree that he didn’t say “screw em.” LOL
@@rjhuf That's funny and true. Since it was a Disney Production I figured the "F" Bomb wasn't going to fly. Still a well done job by Kurt Russell as Herb. Have a good one.
@@Rockhound6165 It is posted outside the locker room
Mike Eruzione was from my hometown. After the Olympics, we had a big parade for him. He also came by my elementary school and signed autographs. He was a very down to earth guy.
Winthrop,Massachusetts… God Bless him and the whole town
"Tonight we're the greatest hockey team in the world" what an inspirational meaning for that game. USA! USA! USA! The one thing that made the hostages from Iran smile & rejoice was hearing how our hockey team won the gold medal at Lake Placid
In my IT career when I am struggling down .I always used to hear this speech.Instead of "U r born to be hockey players" I replace it with "U r born to be a IT professional".
Automatically my confidence boost to next level :)
That's an invaluable skill you have there my friend keep nourishing it 😁
I'm 70, from Minnesota, and I still play hockey. I've watched this speech a zillion times, and it brings tears every time... "One game.... if we played 'em 10 times they might win 9.... but not this game... Not Tonight...."
Whenever I run into something that seems impossible I recite Herbie's words....."Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world...." Thank you, Herb Brooks, for showing all of us what can happen when we belive in ourselves. 🏒🏒
great speech, great game, great moment, what more can you say??
God bless sir, see you out there on the ice ♡
If anybody truly deserves a lifelong achievement academy award is Kurt Russell I mean come on look at all the iconic figures he’s played in all his movies. Get with it academy
This was the greatest upset of all time in any sport! As a Canadian I love hockey. The Soviet's of this time had one of the greatest teams ever assembled ! The best of the NHL could not beat them. But somehow Brooks coached College kids to get it done. Awesome!!
I watched every U.S. Olympic hockey game on TV that year. I was 9. I believed...and it happened.
I believed as well but seeing them at a Trump rally really makes me question what they stood for.
One of the best sport speeches of all time
Great scene. Great movie. I was born in '82, and my parents, who didn't care about hockey, never missed a moment to talk about this game.
We beat those bastards! It was the greatest moment in hockey!
I love the subtle sounds aside from the soundtrack in this scene. The sound of the torch on the stick blade. The skate rocking back and forth on the rubber. Herb flipping through the playbook. Brilliant.
I love this movie. R.I.P. Coach.
That last part gives me goosebumps “now go out there and take it” love this speech
This is the first hockey game I ever saw, standing next to my father. I still remember so much of it. In Chicago, the Blackhawks weren't on TV at all in that era. I begged my parents to play hockey because of this game.
"Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that's what you have here tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game; if we played them ten times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.
You were born to be hockey players-every one of you, and you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it!"
U.S are the greatest hockey team in the world it's just like the mighty ducks 1.2.3 watch that mighty ducks
Not Tonight
This movie just sort of represents when the Olympics meant so much more, now it's just commercialized shit.
Then it was political shit...
It all about money now pro athletes well not hockey anymore
VERY TRUE AQUITAINEQ. Also full of 'politically correct announcers.
You're right. It's the 5th rate spaghetti you get at that restaurant that even you could make better if you didn't try. It's like well, if it's on and I literally having nothing else going on, including poking my eyes out, then I'll watch.
Political correctness has ruined most sports, the tribalism and warrior aspect is what made sports so intense, that is completely gone now.
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jimmy Craig one day/night back in 2000, a friend of mine was his next door neighbor growing up Jim is one of the best, a real down to earth gentleman!!!
He played in Erie, PA awhile., after the Olympics. He made no bones about not wanting to be there.
I watched this in Feb. 2004 the week before it was released. Charlotte, N.C. The theater shook when O.C. went into game. and from every goal after.
O.C., GO! O.C. GET IN THERE
For one moment Minnesota kids and Boston kids were brothers in creating a miracle. I've got nothing but respect for Boston's rich hockey history in helping to bring that miracle to fruition. Cheers. -a Minnesotan
I watch this before every final I take. I owe my degree and career to this speech.
What I love about this scene is how it contrasts beautifully with the holiday party scene, when he is asked to give a speech and he declines.
You can transform human beings to perform at limits beyond their ability with speeches like this. And the team did just that. Amazing performance to win that game
3:45 --- the best closing line ever .... always gets me chills
I was born and raised in Minnesota. I like Kurt Russell's Minnesota accent.
This team was closely watched in Minnesota leading up to this. Coach Brooks does not cave into "this is the way we've always done it" or bureaucracy. He put this team on a demanding trajectory right from the beginning. He fought for time to develop this team. They played an increasingly difficult schedule of games including NHL teams. No one but Herb thought they could win the gold, but we all knew they were going to be very competitive and skate like demons out there.
Very cool, to be so close to the group.
most of the team was minnesotans, they done us proud for sure
Johnson: Minneapolis
McClanahan: St Paul
Christoff: Richfield
Broten: Roseau
Pavelich: Evlith
Verchota: Duluth
Schnieder: Grand Rapids
Strobel: Rochester
Christian: Warroad
Harrington: Virginia
Ramsey: Minneapolis
Baker: Grand Rapids
Auge: St Paul
Ross: Roseau
Delich: Evlith
Harrier: Bloomington
Janaszak: St Paul
Horsh: Red Wing