What’s better? Olympic hockey showcasing the best players in the world or what happened in 1980 when 20 college kids beat a team of Soviet professionals in the Miracle on Ice?
With the National Hockey League allowing players to compete in 1998, to them pulling back out 20 years later, fans have seen both sides.
The NHL is back in this year and players, even those college kids from 46 years ago, are excited.
Having taken the ice in Italy, Tage Thompson, the star center of the Buffalo Sabres, is officially an Olympian.
“It’s the biggest stage. It’s against all the best players in the world. So, I think obviously everything’s a little bit elevated and just makes it more exciting,” he said.
This year, for the first time a dozen years, the National Hockey League and its players, including Thompson, are back in the Olympics.
The league pulled out after the Sochi games in 2014 due to the long pause it caused to its season and the risk of injuries with playoffs in sight.
“I’m pretty excited that we’re back. Guess it means I get the opportunity to play, and I’m sure obviously a lot of other guys feel the same way. You know, back to, what I was saying before, it’s the best in the world going against each other. And, you know, I think the intensity is, is going to be probably as high as, you know, you can imagine,” Thompson said.
The NHL first allowed its players to take part in the the Nagano games as a way to allow the world to see the very best in action.
But at the time, many wondered if the decision would take away moments like the Miracle on Ice.
In 1980, the U.S. Olympic hockey team consisted of 20 amateurs who pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history by beating the Soviet Union and its team of professionals.
A moment in time that in the end, meant more than just a hockey game.
“Something special happened during that period of time. Those type of things you don’t forget. Then when they’re brought up again and they’re relived, it brings back great memories and brings that excitement back. It generally puts a smile on everybody’s face,” 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team forward Mark Johnson said.
However, asking that team and its players what they think, they agree. Sports today are different and the very best should be out on that ice, some say.
“Now, it’s equal. The best players in the world, best players for their countries compete. So, I think that’s wonderful because the thing is, the fans get to see the very best players,” 1980 goalie Jim Craig said.
“Oh, it’s a great thing,” 1980 team captain Mike Eruzione said. “I think this team absolutely has a chance to win a gold medal… and I hope they do.”
Believe it or not, 1980 was also the last time the United States won gold in men’s hockey. With the “Miracle Team” cheering them on, this year is a chance for the U.S. and Tage Thompson to change that.
“I think it’s one of those experiences where, this is something bigger than yourself. You’re representing your country, and you know, I think everyone over there is willing to do whatever it’s going to take to win,” Thompson said.
