The United States men’s ice hockey team secured its first victory against Canada at a Winter Olympics in 12 years on Saturday, conjuring comparisons to the “Miracle on Ice” team of 1980.
The 4-2 victory at Beijing’s National Indoor Stadium, the USA’s second of the competition after beating China earlier this week, was an unlikely result given the youthful makeup of the American roster, which includes 15 college players. And 40 years ago, it was also a team largely comprised of college players that defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 to win a surprise gold. “I guess it is a little similar with all these college guys,” said Team USA left wing Sean Farrell.
