President Donald Trump signed legislation Friday that honors the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union and then won the gold medal game.
Team captain Mike Eruzion, who scored the iconic game-winning goal against the Soviets in a high-stakes semifinal game, goaltender Jim Craig and many other members of the Miracle on Ice joined Trump in the Oval Office, where he signed HR 452, the Miracle on Ice bill. The Soviets had won gold in the previous four Olympics.
White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf noted that the bill would allow medals to be minted in honor of the team.
“We are thrilled to be joined today by true legends of American sports history and heroes to the nation—the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team,” Trump said. “It was one of the most important moments I’ve ever seen in sports, and I love sports.”
“These are the people who gave us one of the most legendary sports victories of all time. It's called the 'Miracle on Ice,' and I think that's exactly what it was,” he added.
Along with Eruzione and Craig, Steve Janaszak, Bill Baker, Dave Christian, Ken Morrow, Jack O'Callaghan, Mike Ramsey, Neil Broten, Rob McClanahan, Buzz Schneider, Dave Silk and Phil Verchota, as well as the children of several deceased players, were in attendance. Ryan Suter, a hockey veteran himself, attended in place of his father Bob Suter, and Tarja Lewis represented her father Mark Pavelich.
Trump asked each player to introduce himself to the cameras and say a few words.
“I’m so proud of all my teammates and what we accomplished for our country,” Craig said.
He also thanked Trump “for the courage you show this country every single day” and for “making our country safe again.”
All the players wore replicas of the caps they wore during the Olympic opening ceremony, and Eruzione provided one to Trump on behalf of the team. Trump wore it for a photo together.
“I don’t think words can explain how proud we are of what you did for our team,” Eruzione said.
O'Callaghan emphasized, “We are a group of proud Americans and we are thrilled to be in your presence.”
Since 13 of the players were from Minnesota, Trump jokingly asked if there were any Somalis on their team, causing the players to burst out laughing.
